Lonely people may be more likely than others to seek out various social media platforms or communities, according to Turku University doctoral researcher Eetu Marttila.
Marttila's doctoral research found that loneliness increases the risk of problematic use.
In turn, problematic use can have a negative impact on real-life social relationships as well as a detrimental effect on wellbeing, which can lead to both physical and mental health problems.
"Social media communities cannot provide the same benefits as a safe and interactive real-life relationship," Marttila points out.
Problematic social media use (PSMU) is characterized by compulsive and out of control use of social media platforms, for example to relieve unpleasant feelings. At its worst, problematic use can be addictive and further exacerbate loneliness.
"Social media platforms can become very engaging and can be rewarding, but also punishing in the sense that they become too central to one's life," says Marttila.
Problematic use in all age groups
The addictive nature of social media platforms, loneliness, and social needs can combine with psychological issues such as a tendency towards addictions and underlying mental health problems.
The central aim of Marttila's research was to understand how social needs and desire for connection — specifically, feelings of loneliness and identity-driven social media use — drive individuals toward problematic social media use.
In the case of functional addictions, it is difficult, however, to determine what is the cause and what is the effect.
"We tried to find out which comes first. For example, do people first become lonely and therefore start using social media too much, or do people first become interested in using social media, and for some reason cannot control it and it increases their loneliness," Marttila explains.
Marttila's study was based on data of social media use by Finns aged 18-78 over a period of six years. The study looked at changes in, for example, problematic use of social media, loneliness and wellbeing.
According to Marttila, problem users are found in all age groups.
"Problem use is somewhat more common in younger age groups," Marttila notes.
By identifying the drivers and consequences of excessive social media use, the results may help to recognize those who are at risk of becoming problematic users, and to understand how problematic use can undermine their quality of life.
Eetu Marttila's study, Compulsion for connection: Exploring problematic social media use, is available online from the University of Turku doctoral dissertations service.
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