Research on Social Media and Loneliness in Rural Youth

A study published in BMC Psychiatry looked at how social media use affects loneliness and mental health in young people aged 16 to 24 living in rural New South Wales, Australia.

The findings showed that many of the participants felt lonely or stressed. Those who spent more time on Facebook often reported higher levels of loneliness.

Nearly half of the participants reported that Facebook was their most frequently used social media platform. Many spent over 20 hours per week online, with two out of five checking social media within 10 minutes of waking up. Most participants also shared private messages, photos, or videos multiple times a day.

The study covers the mental health struggles of rural youth and the role of social media in their lives.

Although rural youth often deal with social isolation and fewer mental health services, the study found that loneliness was not directly caused by living in a rural area. Instead, it showed that excessive social media use and passive engagement was more strongly linked to feelings of loneliness.

Understanding the Research

This pilot study was a web-based survey conducted between October 2021 and October 2022. It focused on participants aged 16–24 years who had lived in a rural area of New South Wales (NSW) for more than one month.

The web-based survey included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. It covered topics like demographics, social media use, mood, anxiety, and loneliness. A total of 23 questions were asked.

These were the results:

• Among the 47 participants, most were women (68.1%). Over half were aged 21 or older.
• Facebook was the most used social media platform for 50% of participants.
• Others preferred TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
• 2 out of 5 participants used social media within 10 minutes of waking, and 30% spent over 20 hours weekly on social platforms.
• The average loneliness score was 2.89 out of 6, with social loneliness being slightly more common than emotional loneliness. (Social loneliness results from lacking group connections, while emotional loneliness comes from missing close, personal relationships.)
• 68.1% of participants reported psychological distress. Women had higher levels of distress compared to men (78.1% vs. 21.9%).
• Participants who used social media within 10 minutes of waking also had significantly higher distress levels.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Social media can help us connect with others, but using it too much or in unhealthy ways can make us feel lonely. Parents and caregivers, especially in rural areas, have an opportunity to teach kids better online habits.

Here are three tips:

Limit daily social media time, especially during mornings

The way we start our day sets the tone for the rest of it. Spending the first moments of the day passively scrolling can increase stress and fuel comparisons. Instead, mornings should be a time for kids and teens to engage in activities that boost their energy and positivity.

These may include eating a nutritious breakfast, stretching to wake up their bodies, spending a few minutes reading, or having a calm chat with family.

Unlike social media, these self-care strategies allow them to start the day feeling grounded.

Be a role model by practicing mindful social media use

Show them how to use technology for growth and learning, rather than just passive scrolling. For example, introduce educational apps or platforms that teach valuable skills like drawing or coding.

You can also schedule family time to explore documentaries or TED Talks together. The key is to show them that technology can be a tool for discovery, creativity, and meaningful connection rather than just a source of distraction.

Strike a balance between online and offline connections

This means making sure that kids and teens don’t rely solely on digital interactions for their social needs. Parents can help by encouraging activities like community events, playdates, or game nights with the family. These allow for face-to-face relationships.

Screen-free times — like during meals or before bedtime — also creates opportunities for meaningful conversations to take place.

Related Resource: Screen Time Tips For Families

The authors also suggest conducting more studies on the individual effects of social media on health and well-being.

Help your child develop better habits with our Social Skills Worksheets and Healthy Habits Posters. These are designed to promote meaningful connections, self-care, and balance!