Why Some Social Media Apps Might Be Making You Feel Lonely

Most scroll through Instagram, hop on Reddit, binge YouTube, maybe even swipe on dating apps… and yet, we still feel kind of alone. Social media apps might be making you feel lonely, so ever wonder why?

A new study led by Dr. Ben Ragen just gave us something to think about: the type of app you use actually matters when it comes to how lonely you feel.

Not All Apps Are Created Equal

According to the research, platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and even some dating apps were linked to higher levels of loneliness. On the flip side, apps like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) didn’t show the same effects.

It comes down to passive interaction, a fancy way of saying you're just scrolling, watching, or lurking without actually talking to anyone. The more we do this, the more disconnected we tend to feel.

“You don’t really know the people you’re interacting with on these platforms,” Ragen explained. So even if you’re consuming a ton of content, it doesn’t mean you’re forming real connections.

Other Studies Say It's All Social Media Apps Bring The Feel Of Being Lonely

Another study from Baylor University dove deeper. Their takeaway? Both passive and active social media use (that means posting, commenting, etc.) can still increase loneliness over time.

Dr. James A. Roberts put it like this:

“Lonely people turn to social media to feel connected—but using it too much might just make things worse.”

It's a cycle that’s tough to break. You’re feeling low, so you scroll to distract yourself, but then you see people living their “perfect” lives and suddenly feel even worse. And it’s not just you, this happens to all of us.

That Comparison Game Is No Joke

Michael Torres, a clinical psychologist, says social media makes it super easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel.

“When you compare yourself to others,” he says, “it leads to self-judgment, low self-esteem, and a negative sense of self.”

In other words: the more we scroll, the worse we might feel, especially if we think everyone else is doing better than we are.

So… What Can You Do?

Here are a few ideas to break the loop:

• Take breaks from your feed, especially if it’s messing with your mood.

• Keep your phone out of your bedroom to get better sleep (and peace of mind).

• Prioritize real connections. Text a friend. Meet up IRL. Talk to someone who actually knows you.

  
  

And if you’re craving a social app that doesn’t revolve around followers, filters, or flexing? That’s why we built Socialode, a space designed to help you meet real people, based on real interests, without the pressure.

Because feeling seen shouldn’t come from likes or follows, it should come from connection.