Social media use, loneliness and interpersonal confidence in young adults

Abstract

We are living in the most connected time of human history, yet a large majority of individuals feel lonely. This dissertation looked at the relationships between problematic social media use, loneliness, and interpersonal competence in young adults. Demographic data in terms of number of close friends, number of siblings and age and their relationship with the main variables were taken note of as well. A total of 129 participants (mean age = 21; SD = 3) filled out an online questionnaire that consisted of three measures and demographic questions. Results were analysed by employing a quantitative methodology through methods of descriptive and inferential statistics to describe the sample and test the proposed hypotheses, which were partially supported. Statistically significant correlations were seen between problematic social media use and loneliness and interpersonal competence and loneliness, whilst no correlations were observed between interpersonal competence and problematic social media use. Statistically significant variances were also observed in problematic social media use, loneliness, and some domains of interpersonal competence in individuals who had different numbers of close friends and siblings. Conclusions related to the relationships between social media and loneliness, and interpersonal competence and loneliness led to the practical implications of this research being based on interventions aimed at delivering help and normalising seeking for help.