Study Links Over 3 Hours of Daily Screen Time to Increased Loneliness in Teens

A recent study reveals a correlation between increased screen time in adolescents and a rise in reported feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Researchers observed that teenagers who spent more than three hours per day on electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, reported experiencing a greater sense of disconnect from their peers and communities. The study also noted a parallel decline in participation in extracurricular activities and face-to-face social interactions among the same group. The research, which involved a survey of over 500 adolescents aged 13-17, tracked daily screen usage and self-reported feelings of loneliness through a standardized questionnaire. Specifically, adolescents were asked to estimate the average time they spent daily on screens for non-academic purposes. The study then compared these figures with their responses to questions designed to assess their levels of social connectedness and feelings of isolation. Researchers also looked at data related to participation in sports, clubs, and other social gatherings outside of school. The results indicated a statistically significant association between higher screen time and lower reported levels of social satisfaction, although the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

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Date: May 1, 2025

Author

Mark Chiang