Over Half of US College Students Feel Lonely, Study Finds

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A study of nearly 65,000 US college students found that over 54% reported feeling lonely, with those spending 16 or more hours per week on social media being significantly more likely to experience loneliness. The research, published in the Journal of American College Health, also found that female, Black, and at-home students were more likely to feel isolated, while fraternity/sorority members and hybrid learners were less likely to feel lonely.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the potential mental health risks of excessive social media use among young adults, a population already vulnerable to feelings of isolation and disconnection. As colleges aim to support student wellbeing, understanding these dynamics can inform strategies to foster stronger in-person social connections.

The details

The study, led by Dr. Madelyn Hill of Ohio University, analyzed survey responses from 64,988 students at over 120 US colleges. Participants reported how often they felt left out, isolated, or lacking companionship, with 54% saying they felt lonely. The data also showed a clear correlation between social media use and loneliness - students using social media 16-20 hours per week were 19% more likely to feel lonely than non-users, with the risk rising to 38% for those using it over 30 hours weekly.

• The study was published in the Journal of American College Health in February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Colleges are encouraged to educate students about the potential risks of excessive social media use and to implement programs that promote in-person social engagement to help address the issue of student loneliness.