Loneliness, Instagram Use, and Their Impact on Learning among University Students

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  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Impacts of Human and Technology Interconnectedness

Abstract

Using the experience sampling method, this study collected data on university students’ Instagram usage behaviors, loneliness, and concentration difficulty five times daily over two weeks. We examined how Instagram use behaviors relate to loneliness and whether loneliness mediates the relationship between problematic Instagram use and difficulty concentrating during learning. K-means clustering identified three Instagram usage patterns: Interacting, Idling, and Browsing. Interacting was associated with lowest levels of loneliness compared to other patterns. A 1-1-1 multilevel mediation model further revealed a significant indirect effect of problematic Instagram use on concentration difficulty through loneliness. These findings highlight different ways of using Instagram shape students’ psychological and learning experiences, offering insights into how everyday digital habits impact well-being and engagement in higher education.

Authors

• En Pei Huang, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

• Ziting Li, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

• Meng-Ting Lo, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University