Disconnected in a Connected World: Examining Social Isolation and Social Media use Among College Students at St. Cecilia’s College - Cebu

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between social media use and social isolation and its implications for mental health and well-being among college students at St. Cecilia’s College - Cebu,". This research utilized a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 50 college students across various years of study within the College of Education program. This paper utilized a structured questionnaire modeled from the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS) by Jenkins-Guarnieri, Wright, and Johnson (2013), the UCLA Loneliness Scale by Hughes et al. (2004), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The following presents the conclusions drawn from the findings of the study: (1) The study found a significant positive relationship between social media use and social isolation among college students at St. Cecilia’s College - Cebu; (2) The study found that students' social isolation is significantly influenced by the quality of their online interactions, with genuine, supportive interactions reducing feelings of isolation; (3) Based on the findings, several recommendations for St. Cecilia’s College - Cebu are proposed to implement awareness programs on social media use, encourage balance between online and offline interactions, promote face-to-face activities, and integrate healthy social media habits into mental health services and counseling to improve students' social and emotional well-being.