Social Media: Connecting or Isolating?

Social Media: Connecting or Isolating?

Social media has transformed how people communicate, maintain friendships, seek support, and participate in communities. The collected research demonstrates that digital platforms are neither inherently beneficial nor inherently harmful. Instead, outcomes depend on how technology is used, the quality of relationships it supports, individual personality, age, platform design, and whether online interaction complements or replaces meaningful offline social connection. The evidence consistently shows that active communication and supportive relationships produce better outcomes than passive browsing, excessive comparison, or problematic use.

Recent Research and Systematic Reviews

Recent studies continue to show that the relationship between social media and loneliness is complex. Large reviews and longitudinal studies find that ordinary social-media use alone is not consistently associated with loneliness. Instead, problematic internet use, negative online experiences, compulsive engagement, fear of missing out, and unhealthy comparison are much stronger predictors of poor mental health. At the same time, social media can provide valuable support, identity development, creative expression, and community for many users, particularly adolescents, marginalized groups, and older adults.

Loneliness, Isolation, and Mental Health

Research consistently finds important links between loneliness, emotional well-being, and patterns of social-media use. Heavy passive consumption, problematic use, cyberbullying, and constant comparison are associated with higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and reduced life satisfaction. However, many studies emphasize that causation is difficult to establish, since lonely individuals may also be more likely to seek greater online interaction. Balanced use, healthy relationships, and purposeful communication appear to reduce many of these risks.

Friendship, Social Support, and Human Connection

Numerous studies demonstrate that social media can strengthen existing friendships when used for direct communication, emotional support, and maintaining personal relationships. Active conversations, messaging, sharing meaningful experiences, and reciprocal interaction are associated with higher friendship quality and stronger feelings of social connectedness. Digital communication is generally most effective when it supplements rather than replaces face-to-face relationships.

Passive Browsing, Social Comparison, and Fear of Missing Out

One of the strongest themes across the literature concerns the psychological effects of passive social-media use. Browsing carefully curated images of others' lives often encourages upward social comparison, envy, fear of missing out, lower self-esteem, and emotional distress. Studies repeatedly distinguish between active participation—which often improves social connection—and passive consumption, which is more likely to produce negative emotional outcomes.

Adolescents, Families, and Education

Young people represent one of the most heavily studied populations. Research finds that social media can encourage creativity, identity exploration, learning, friendship, and peer support while also exposing adolescents to cyberbullying, social pressure, sleep disruption, and unrealistic expectations. Pediatric organizations and public health agencies generally recommend balanced use, family media plans, device-free time, and ongoing communication rather than complete avoidance.

Older Adults and Marginalized Communities

Social media often provides significant benefits for populations that experience geographic, physical, or social isolation. Older adults frequently report improved communication with family, stronger social support, and reduced isolation when using digital technologies effectively. LGBTQ youth, individuals with chronic illnesses, and other marginalized communities often rely on online networks to access identity-specific information, peer support, and communities unavailable in their local environments.

Active Communication Versus Passive Consumption

One of the clearest findings throughout the research is that user behavior matters more than total screen time. Direct messaging, supportive conversations, meaningful self-disclosure, and maintaining relationships are generally associated with positive outcomes. Passive scrolling, surveillance of others, compulsive checking, and comparison-based behavior are more consistently associated with loneliness, envy, anxiety, and poorer well-being.

Platform Design and Digital Well-Being

Researchers increasingly focus on how platform design influences user behavior. Recommendation algorithms, engagement-driven features, notifications, likes, and endless scrolling can encourage compulsive use while simultaneously making platforms valuable tools for communication and information sharing. Studies examining temporary social-media breaks often report modest improvements in well-being, particularly among heavy users, while also acknowledging that many people continue to value the genuine relationships maintained through these platforms.

Relationships, Families, and Face-to-Face Communication

Research extending beyond online behavior finds that smartphones and constant digital availability can reduce empathy, conversation quality, and relationship satisfaction during in-person interactions. Studies on "phubbing" and mobile-device presence suggest that even unused phones may distract attention and reduce feelings of closeness. Healthy digital habits therefore include protecting time for uninterrupted face-to-face communication alongside responsible technology use.

Conclusion

The research overwhelmingly rejects simplistic claims that social media either destroys relationships or automatically strengthens them. Instead, outcomes depend on the quality of interactions, user motivations, platform features, existing social networks, and broader life circumstances. Social media is most beneficial when it supports meaningful relationships, encourages active communication, and complements real-world social engagement. It becomes more harmful when it promotes compulsive use, passive comparison, social pressure, or replaces genuine human connection. The strongest evidence supports a balanced approach that combines thoughtful digital participation with healthy offline relationships.

Recent Research and Reviews

2025 | Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic Through Social Media https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12245810/ 2025 | Health Benefits of Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12356748/ 2025 | Loneliness and Problematic Media Use: A Meta-Analysis https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12352803/ 2025 | Time and Frequency of Social Media Use and Loneliness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12562821/ 2025 | How Do Young Adults Feel About Receiving “Likes” on Social Media? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12543267/ 2025 | Digital Bridges to Social Connection https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40698012/ 2025 | The Mediating Role of Hopelessness in Social Media Addiction and Loneliness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12060843/ 2025 | The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Child and Adolescent Mental Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12165459/ June 9, 2025 | How Social Media Brings Out the Worst in Us https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_media_brings_out_the_worst_in_us May 8, 2025 | Social Media Use, Online Experiences, and Loneliness Among Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12220285/ April 22, 2025 | Teens, Social Media and Mental Health https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/ April 2025 | Lonely Older Adults in the Era of Social Media https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40297867/ January 16, 2025 | Men, Women and Social Connections https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2025/01/16/men-women-and-social-connections/ 2024 | Social Media Features, Group Norms, and Friendship Satisfaction https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38721319/ 2024 | Relationships Among Social Media Use, Social Skills, and Friendship Quality https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11540422/ 2024 | Solitary Experience and Problematic Social Media Use https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11411510/ 2024 | The Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Loneliness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11167928/ 2024 | A Systematic Review of Social Media Use and Adolescent Identity Development https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12084248/ 2024 | Social Connection Interventions and Depression in Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870875/ January 2024 | The Relationship Between Loneliness and Problematic Social Media Use https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10765645/

Loneliness, Isolation, and Mental Health

August 2023 | The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10476631/ May 23, 2023 | Social Media and Youth Mental Health https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html May 12, 2023 | Seven Guidelines for Healthy Social Connection https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_guidelines_for_healthy_social_connection February 2023 | Positive Self-Disclosure on Social Networks and Adolescent Friendship Quality https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36834137/ January 2023 | Associations Between Social Media Use and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9817115/ November 16, 2022 | Teen Life on Social Media in 2022 https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/11/16/connection-creativity-and-drama-teen-life-on-social-media-in-2022/ September 2022 | Friendship Quality in Adolescence: The Role of Social Media Features https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36118141/ 2022 | Momentary Links Between Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Social Connectedness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10038865/ June 6, 2022 | The Roles of Social Media Use and Friendship Quality in Adolescents’ Well-Being https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35694280/ February 2022 | Stop Talking About It Already! Co-Rumination and Social Media https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35130965/ October 2021 | Some Socially Poor but Also Some Socially Rich Adolescents Feel Closer to Friends https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34707197/ May 2021 | Differential Patterns of Social Media Use Associated With Loneliness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8121492/ April 12, 2021 | Social Media Support for Young People With Cancer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33844938/ 2020 | Social Media Use and Depression in Adolescents https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7392374/ April 2, 2020 | The Loneliness of the “Social Distancer” Triggers Brain Cravings https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-loneliness-of-the-social-distancer-triggers-brain-cravings-akin-to-hunger/ March 12, 2020 | How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-loneliness-in-a-time-of-social-distancing/ November 1, 2019 | Social Media Has Not Destroyed a Generation https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/social-media-has-not-destroyed-a-generation/ November 1, 2019 | Goodbye, Phone Calls. Hello, Loneliness https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/goodbye-phone-calls-hello-loneliness/ December 2018 | No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751 July 2017 | Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5722463/ March 12, 2014 | The Spread of Emotion Via Facebook https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090315 August 14, 2013 | Facebook Use Predicts Declines in Subjective Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069841

Connection, Friendship, and Social Support

2024 | Social Connection: What Is It? https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/social_connection/definition March 28, 2023 | Why Friendships Among Men Are So Important https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_friendships_among_men_are_so_important December 5, 2022 | A Healthy Social Life Goes Beyond Friends and Family https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/a_healthy_social_life_goes_beyond_friends_and_family August 16, 2018 | Why You Click With Certain People https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_you_click_with_certain_people 2017 | The Role of Online Social Support in Adolescents’ Mental Health https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0715 February 2, 2016 | Friends Help Our Health as We Age https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/friends_help_our_health_as_we_age February 2015 | Social Media Provides Patients With Support, Information, and Friendship https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25670190/ April 2014 | Online Communication, Social Media, and Adolescent Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414524414 February 2014 | Social Network Site Use and Self-Esteem https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.026 July 2011 | The Benefits of Facebook “Friends” https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2011.01575.x June 16, 2011 | Social Networking Sites and Our Lives https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2011/06/16/social-networking-sites-and-our-lives/ May 3, 2010 | Teens, Texting, and Social Isolation https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2010/05/03/teens-texting-and-social-isolation/ November 4, 2009 | Social Isolation and New Technology https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2009/11/04/social-isolation-and-new-technology-2/ July 2009 | Social Media and Social Capital Among College Students https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.01.014 July 2007 | Facebook Use, Social Capital, and Psychological Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00367.x March 2007 | Online Communication and Adolescent Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.43.2.267 January 25, 2006 | The Strength of Internet Ties https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2006/01/25/the-strength-of-internet-ties/ October 2005 | Rich-Get-Richer or Social Compensation? https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2005.tb00843.x September 2004 | Internet Communication and Its Relation to Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.9.692 September 1998 | Internet Paradox https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.53.9.1017

Passive Use, Comparison, and Fear of Missing Out

July 2020 | Problematic Social Media Use and Adolescent Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.02.014 March 2019 | Social Media Use and Perceived Emotional Support https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.10.016 January 2019 | Social Media Use Before Bed and Sleep Disturbance https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2017.09.005 2017 | Fear of Missing Out, Need for Touch, Anxiety, and Depression https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2016.1257392 June 2017 | Instagram Use, Social Comparison, and Body Image https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.02.003 January 2017 | Do Social Network Sites Enhance or Undermine Well-Being? https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12033 April 2016 | Social Media Use and Sleep Disturbance Among Young Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4853817/ June 2015 | Instagram Use and Depressive Symptoms https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0560 June 2015 | Facebook Use and Negative Social Comparison https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.02.012 April 2015 | Passive Facebook Usage Undermines Affective Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000057 October 2014 | Social Comparison, Social Media, and Self-Esteem https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000047 2014 | Facebook Use, Envy, and Depression https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.08.009 2013 | Seeing Everyone Else’s Highlight Reels https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212474693 July 2013 | Motivational, Emotional, and Behavioral Correlates of Fear of Missing Out https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.014 September 2012 | Facebook Surveillance of Former Romantic Partners https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0125

Adolescents, Families, and Schools

December 15, 2022 | Teens and Cyberbullying https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/ 2020 | Social Media Use and Its Impact on Adolescent Mental Health https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.08.017 July 28, 2020 | Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/childrens-engagement-with-digital-devices-screen-time/ May 2020 | Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.29155.editorial March 2020 | Annual Research Review: Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13190 January 2020 | Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2018.1528820 February 2019 | Digital Technology Use and Adolescent Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0506-1 November 28, 2018 | Teens’ Social Media Habits and Experiences https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/11/28/teens-social-media-habits-and-experiences/ September 10, 2018 | Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/social-media-social-life-2018 May 2018 | Transforming Adolescent Peer Relations in the Social Media Context https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618756611 January 2018 | Screens, Teens, and Psychological Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797616678438 November 2016 | Children and Adolescents and Digital Media https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2593 November 2016 | Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592 2016 | Social Media Use and Adolescent Sleep Patterns https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016-311242 August 6, 2015 | Teens, Technology and Friendships https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/

Communities, Identity, and Marginalized Groups

January 2024 | Social Media and the Well-Being of LGBTQ Youth https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/social-media-and-lgbtq-youth-mental-health-and-well-being/ September 1, 2021 | How the Internet and Technology Shaped Americans’ Experiences During COVID-19 https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/01/how-the-internet-and-technology-shaped-americans-personal-experiences-amid-covid-19/ June 2017 | Technology Use and Social Connectedness Among Older Adults https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw249 February 2017 | Social Media Use and Social Connectedness Among Older Adults https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.10.015 April 2016 | Social Media and Support During Personal Crisis https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305116641975 March 2015 | The Internet as a Safety Net for LGBTQ Youth https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2013.0015 January 15, 2015 | Social Media and the Cost of Caring https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/01/15/social-media-and-stress/ September 2014 | Online Social Support for LGBTQ Youth https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X14523465 September 2014 | Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbu018 August 26, 2014 | Social Media and the Spiral of Silence https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/08/26/social-media-and-the-spiral-of-silence/ 2014 | Online Communities and Social Support for Chronic Illness https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3270 October 19, 2012 | Social Media and Civic Engagement https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2012/10/19/social-media-and-political-engagement/ February 29, 2012 | Networked Individualism https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2012/02/29/networked-individualism-what-in-the-world-is-that/ January 2012 | Social Media, Disaster Communication, and Community Resilience https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7717.2012.01290.x October 2008 | Online Health Communities and Patient Empowerment https://doi.org/10.1136/qshc.2006.020602

Platform Design and Healthier Use

January 31, 2024 | Americans’ Social Media Use https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-social-media-use/ January 31, 2024 | Mobile Fact Sheet https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/ May 9, 2023 | Conclusion: Social Media Can Connect and Isolate https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use May 2023 | The Effect of Deactivating Facebook and Instagram on Users’ Emotional State https://doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdad055 September 6, 2022 | The Chaos Machine https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/max-fisher/the-chaos-machine/9780316703321/ May 2022 | Taking a One-Week Break From Social Media https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2021.0324 December 2021 | The Economic Effects of Facebook https://www.nber.org/papers/w29578 September 1, 2021 | Internet and Technology Use During the Pandemic https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/09/01/the-internet-and-the-pandemic/ April 7, 2021 | Social Media Use in 2021 https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/ September 15, 2020 | The Hype Machine https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/566270/the-hype-machine-by-sinan-aral/ March 2020 | The Welfare Effects of Social Media https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20190658 February 5, 2019 | Digital Minimalism https://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/ July 2018 | A Two-Week Social Media Detox https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2017.0402 May 29, 2018 | Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250239082/tenargumentsfordeletingyoursocialmediaaccountsrightnow/ March 7, 2017 | Irresistible https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317806/irresistible-by-adam-alter/ November 2016 | Facebook Abstinence and Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0259 October 6, 2015 | Reclaiming Conversation https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313732/reclaiming-conversation-by-sherry-turkle/ May 2015 | Social Media Use and Its Connection to Social Interaction Anxiety https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.12.049 May 2013 | Online Communication and Social Anxiety https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.12.021 January 10, 2011 | Alone Together https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/sherry-turkle/alone-together/9780465093656/ June 7, 2010 | The Shallows https://wwnorton.com/books/the-shallows/

Recent Studies and Systematic Reviews

2026 | Reducing Social Media Use Decreases Loneliness Among Distressed Young Adults https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032726001825 2026 | Understanding the Association Between Loneliness and Social Media Use https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352154626000197 2026 | Social Media Use, Loneliness, and Emotional Distress Among Young Europeans https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666560326000368 2025 | Social Media Addiction and Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, and Self-Esteem https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12459768/ 2025 | Social Internet Use, Social Contact, and Loneliness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12255815/ 2025 | Social Media Posting, Self-Esteem, and Loneliness During Adolescence https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958825001630 2025 | Social Media and Loneliness Across Different Age Groups https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050696425001958 2025 | Compensatory Internet Use and Problematic Social Media Behavior https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108442 November 2023 | The Internet and Loneliness https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/internet-and-loneliness/2023-11 2022 | Social Networking Sites, Loneliness, and Older Adults https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.1966745 2022 | Impact of Digital Social Media on Loneliness Among Older Adults https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9132132/ 2022 | Virtual Social Interaction and Loneliness Among Emerging Adults https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666622722000259 2021 | Social Media Use, Social Anxiety, and Loneliness https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882100018X 2021 | Loneliness and Facebook Use: Rumination and Social Comparison https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844021001043 2021 | Problematic Social Media Use, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S073658532030215X 2020 | Student Loneliness and Social Media During the Transition to University https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131519303070 2018 | Social Networking Site Use, Loneliness, and Depression https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305118771415 2018 | Social Media Use and Social Isolation in Older Adults https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264317729174 2015 | Internet Use and Loneliness: A Meta-Analysis https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0151 2015 | Social Media Use and Loneliness Among Adults https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0452

Active Communication and Passive Browsing

2017 | Passive and Active Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.066 2017 | The Association Between Passive Facebook Use and Affective Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.12.008 2017 | Active and Passive Twitter Use and Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.04.034 2016 | One Click, Many Meanings: Likes and Relational Maintenance https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305116686635 2016 | Passive Social Network Use and Social Comparison https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.032 July 2016 | The Relationship Between Facebook Use and Well-Being Depends on Communication Type https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqv031 January 2016 | Mobile Messaging, Friendship, and Emotional Closeness https://doi.org/10.1177/2050157915619212 September 2015 | Facebook Intensity, Communication Practices, and Social Support https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305115600332 2015 | Does Posting Facebook Status Updates Increase or Decrease Loneliness? https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0395 2014 | Active Facebook Use and Social Support https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2013.0043 2014 | Facebook Activity, Loneliness, and Social Capital https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.02.034 2014 | Online Self-Disclosure and Social Connection https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2013.0377 July 2014 | Facebook Relationship Maintenance Behaviors and Social Capital https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12128 May 2014 | Social Grooming and Relationship Maintenance Online https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407511431183 September 2013 | Posting Facebook Status Updates Increases Feelings of Social Connectedness https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550612469233 2013 | The Relationship Between Facebook Interaction and Loneliness https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.11.020 2013 | Online Communication and Relationship Quality https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407511431182 2012 | The Effects of Facebook Communication on Perceived Closeness https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407511422529 March 2012 | Relational Closeness on Facebook https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444811410408 2009 | Reciprocal Self-Disclosure and Online Friendship Development https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2008.0134

Friendship, Family, and Romantic Relationships

June 2019 | Smartphones Reduce Smiles During Face-to-Face Interaction https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.02.015 2018 | Phubbing and Social Exclusion https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.06.020 2018 | Smartphone Use and Parent–Child Interaction https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12822 March 2018 | Smartphone Use During Meals and Social Enjoyment https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2017.10.007 November 2016 | My Life Has Become a Major Distraction From My Cell Phone https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.07.058 2016 | Instagram Use and Romantic Jealousy https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2015.0295 2016 | Transnational Families and Social Media https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444814526729 July 2016 | The iPhone Effect: Mobile Devices and Face-to-Face Conversation https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916514539755 January 2016 | Phubbing and Relationship Satisfaction https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.07.058 August 2015 | Digital Technology and Family Relationships https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12252 2015 | Grandparents, Grandchildren, and Social Media https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2014.994350 May 2015 | Social Networking Sites and Romantic Relationship Quality https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.12.041 2013 | Can You Connect With Me Now? Mobile Communication and Empathy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.015 2013 | Facebook-Related Conflict and Romantic Relationships https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2013.0324 2013 | Social Media and Family Communication Across Distance https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2012.723647 2013 | Social Media and Long-Distance Friendship https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407512453827 2012 | Polymedia and Migrant Relationships https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203889406 August 2009 | Facebook Jealousy in Romantic Relationships https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2008.0263 July 2008 | Social Network Sites and the Maintenance of Weak Ties https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2008.00405.x

Identity, Belonging, and Online Communities

2022 | TikTok, Identity, and Community Formation https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305120952128 2018 | YouTube Communities and Participatory Belonging https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856517736976 November 2016 | Online Peer Support for Mental Health https://doi.org/10.1136/ebmental-2014-101874 December 2015 | Social Media and Eating-Disorder Communities https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.09.003 2015 | Online Communities for People With Depression https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3662 March 2015 | Gaming Communities, Friendship, and Social Support https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.10.053 February 2015 | Hashtag Activism and Collective Identity https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444814567985 2014 | Online Communities and Psychological Well-Being https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2013.0336 2014 | Networked Counterpublics and Marginalized Voices https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2013.850679 2013 | Online Communities and Disability Identity https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.710012 2013 | Social Media and Indigenous Community-Building https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2012.715048 2013 | Online Gaming and Social Capital https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444812458272 2012 | The Benefits of Facebook Friends for Socially Anxious Users https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2011.0214 2012 | Online Grief Communities and Continuing Bonds https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2012.673536 2012 | Online Religious Communities and Belonging https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2011.591410 April 2012 | Black Twitter and Networked Community https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444813495167 2011 | Facebook Memorials and Collective Mourning https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2011.570826 2009 | Social Compensation and Online Friendship Formation https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2009.01431.x 2009 | Online Support Groups and the Empowerment of Individuals https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.10.004 October 2008 | Internet Communication and Socially Anxious Adolescents https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2007.9941

News, Politics, and Societal Connection

September 1, 2023 | Conclusion: The Effects Depend on How Social Media Is Used https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media September 2018 | Social Media and Political Polarization https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1706588114 March 9, 2018 | The Spread of True and False News Online https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aap9559 May 16, 2017 | Twitter and Tear Gas https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300234176/twitter-and-tear-gas/ December 2016 | Social Media and Disaster Resilience https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.069 October 25, 2016 | Social Media, News, and Political Discussion https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/10/25/the-political-environment-on-social-media/ October 25, 2016 | Political Content on Social Media and Relationship Strain https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/10/25/political-content-on-social-media/ 2016 | Social Media and Community Participation https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439314528778 January 2016 | Echo Chambers on Facebook https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1517441113 2014 | Networked Publics and Social Media https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262524834.001.0001 April 2014 | Social Media Use and Protest Participation https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12080 February 2014 | Social Media and Volunteer Mobilization https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764012454681 2012 | Connective Action in Digital Networks https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003055412000470 June 2012 | Social Media and Civic Participation https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650210384989 May 12, 2011 | The Filter Bubble https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/309214/the-filter-bubble-by-eli-pariser/ 2010 | Twitter and Community Response During Disasters https://doi.org/10.1145/1772690.1772699 December 2008 | The Social Life of Wireless Urban Spaces https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444807080335 August 5, 2007 | Republic.com 2.0 https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691133560/republiccom-20 November 2005 | Public Isolation in the Networked City https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764204270507