The Mediating Role of Loneliness between Social Media Use and Suicide Risk among Pakistani University Students

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates the socio-psychological impact of social media use on loneliness and suicide risk among Pakistani university students. Drawing upon the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Social Comparison Theory, and Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, the study employed validated psychometric scales (SMDS, UCLA Loneliness Scale, SBQ-R) to assess relationships among constructs. A sample of 200 students revealed a strong positive correlation between social media use and loneliness (r = .80), correlation between loneliness and suicide risk (r = .83), and a moderate association between social media use and suicide risk (r = .48). Mediation analysis confirmed loneliness as a statistically significant mediator (B = 0.672, 95% CI [0.390, 0.510]) between social media use and suicide risk. The findings provide novel insights into the emotional toll of digital engagement in a culturally specific context. These findings highlight the emotional burden of digital engagement and suggest the need for mental health literacy and digital well-being in academic settings.