Exploring the Relationship between Loneliness and Social Media Use among University Students: A Comparative Review and Analysis

Loneliness among university students is a growing concern, influenced by the increasing integration of social media into their daily lives. This narrative literature review examines the intricate relationship between social media use and loneliness, synthesizing findings from global and Turkish research to provide a cross-cultural perspective. While social media platforms offer opportunities for connection, problematic or compulsive use, often driven by psychological factors such as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), can exacerbate feelings of isolation and negatively impact mental health. The review highlights the multidimensional nature of loneliness, encompassing both emotional and social aspects, and examines key contributing factors, including self-esteem, social support, and academic stress. Gender and age differences further nuance these dynamics. Despite mixed findings, evidence suggests that the quality of social interactions, rather than the quantity of online engagement, critically affects loneliness outcomes. This review contributes to the literature by explicitly addressing research gaps, particularly the scarcity of cross-cultural comparisons, longitudinal analyses, and qualitative insights, and by outlining how these gaps can guide future studies to better understand causality and mediating factors. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions in higher education settings to promote healthy digital behaviours and enhance students’ psychological well-being in an increasingly connected world.