Impact of Social Media Usage on Loneliness among Secondary School Students

The rapid expansion of digital technology has significantly influenced the communication patterns and social behaviour of adolescents. Social media platforms have become an important medium through which students interact with friends, share experiences, and obtain information. Although these platforms provide opportunities for social connection, concerns have been raised regarding their potential influence on adolescents’ emotional well-being. The present study was conducted to examine the impact of social media usage on loneliness among secondary school students. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design. A sample of 50 students studying in classes IX and X was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured Social Media Usage Questionnaire and a Loneliness Scale designed to measure students’ perceptions of social isolation and emotional connection. The collected data were analysed using statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and t-test. The findings of the study revealed that secondary school students frequently use social media for communication and entertainment purposes. The results also indicated that students experience varying levels of loneliness. A moderate positive relationship was found between social media usage and loneliness, suggesting that higher levels of social media engagement are associated with increased feelings of loneliness among adolescents. The study further revealed that students who spent excessive time on social networking platforms reported greater emotional isolation than those who used these platforms in moderation. The findings highlight the importance of promoting responsible and balanced use of social media among adolescents. The study also emphasizes the role of parents, teachers, and educational institutions in guiding students toward healthy technology habits and encouraging meaningful face-to-face social interaction.