A new study confirming a direct link between social media use, loneliness, and anxiety once again highlights that the problem is much deeper than simply being “glued to a screen.”
Almost 40% of students in the UK show signs of social media addiction, with young women being at particular risk. Previous studies have linked late-night screen use to poor sleep quality, depression, and addictive behaviors, but the underlying reasons remained unclear.
According to researchers from the Universities of Portsmouth and Surrey, loneliness and anxiety are the key factors connecting late-night phone use with problematic smartphone and social media usage. Their new study, published in PLOS One, is based on 407 young people aged 18 to 25 and confirms that sleep and wake patterns are linked to technology addiction.
The researchers believe that young people who are naturally more active in the evenings often experience social dissatisfaction, which can amplify feelings of loneliness and anxiety. In their opinion, many of these individuals use smartphones and social media as coping mechanisms, which can exacerbate emotional distress and reinforce problematic usage.
Given the increasing levels of anxiety, depression, and isolation among young people, the research team suggests that preventive strategies should focus on improving emotional well-being rather than simply reducing screen time. They emphasize the need for effective support for young people with an evening chronotype, especially during late hours when feelings of isolation are most intense and support services are less accessible.
The researchers also argue that raising awareness about these core emotional factors can help young people understand that smartphones and social media are not a solution for loneliness or anxiety but can actually worsen these issues.
