For the older generation, it’s normal to feel lonely. After all, most people live alone and don’t have that many friends to spend time with. The younger ones, on the other hand, have plenty of friends, a lot of people to hang out with, and are never alone.
However, despite all odds, those who are young are feeling much lonelier than the older generation. These numbers show that loneliness is, in fact, a serious problem for the younger population, more so than previously believed. But what could be causing it? Is social media really to blame?
There were some surprising facts revealed by the report on BBC:
● Younger people between the ages of 16 and 24 feel lonelier than any other age group.
● 40% of the younger population feel lonely compared to 29% of 65 to 74-year- olds and 27% for those older than 75.
With all the technological advances, people rely on social media and dating platforms for matchmaking services. That way, it’s much easier to find the one and only true love, meet Buddhist matrimony brides and grooms and settle down.
Platforms such as these make it easier to send instant messages, communicate, and meet a ton of new friends. But, research shows that despite the ability to meet new friends, social media is the main reason for:
● loneliness;
● depression;
● anxiety.
What Could Be Making People Feel Lonely?
The younger generation relies more on social media than any other generation. While social media has a huge impact on their mental health. The reason for that is relatively simple; online communication offers no intimacy. If used as a substitute for a real connection, the feeling of loneliness will become greater.
Furthermore, people use this platform to build a fake persona that would grab attention. If they fail to do so or are subject to bullying, they will become depressed, anxious, and avoid spending time with friends.
Using Social Media as a Beneficial Social Support
Depending on how people use social media, it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. According to the same BBC survey, 41% of the people interviewed claimed loneliness is a positive feeling. It inspires people to connect to one another and look for additional social support.
While others stated that social media helps people stay in contact with friends or family members that live far away, it helps them communicate with each other despite the great distance that separates them. In other words, this kind of substitute for a real connection doesn’t always have to result in depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
Social media does have it’s negative and positive sides, particularly when it comes to loneliness. Since the most affected by it are those between 16 and 24 years, it seems as if the older generation is no longer the loneliest.
But, even though social media is responsible for making the younger people feel lonely, it’s not that bad. Without it, people wouldn’t be able to connect to their friends or family who live far away.
