Examining Loneliness: A Comparative Analysis of Face-to-Face, Telephone, and Online Communication among Japanese Young Adults

Yuko Tanaka (), Yuka Iwata, Nanami Oe and Etsuko Tadaka ()
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Yuko Tanaka: Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Social Services, Health Sciences, University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu-cho, Ishikari-gun 061-0293, Japan
Yuka Iwata: Department of Community Health Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
Nanami Oe: Department of Community and Public Health Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
Etsuko Tadaka: Department of Community and Public Health Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-12

Abstract: (1) Background: Loneliness is inherently linked to social connections, with interpersonal communication playing a pivotal role. Despite this connection, limited research exists on the relationship between loneliness and communication among young adults. This study investigates the correlation between face-to-face, telephone, and online communication frequencies and loneliness among individuals in their 20s. (2) Methods: Using a dataset from a nationwide survey conducted by the Japanese Cabinet Office, this study focuses on 1812 respondents aged 20–30, selected from a random sample of 20,000 individuals aged 16 and older across Japan. (3) Results: A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis reveals a significant association between communication frequency and loneliness, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Notably, decreased communication frequency across all modalities correlated with increased loneliness. Online communication exhibited the highest impact, followed by face-to-face communication, with phone call communication ranking last. (4) Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of seamlessly integrating social networking service (SNS)-based communication with various forms of social interaction. A well-balanced integration of these approaches is crucial for mitigating loneliness among young individuals and promoting positive mental health outcomes.

Keywords: loneliness; young adult; communication; online; face-to-face; telephone (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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