Social Isolation in the Digital Age: A Study of Management Undergraduate Students in Chitwan

Abstract

Social isolation refers to feelings of disconnection and limited meaningful social interactions. In today’s digital era, young adults increasingly rely on online platforms for communication and learning, which may influence their social well-being. This study examines social isolation among management undergraduate students and its relationship with digital behaviors, including social media use, digital communication preferences, online learning engagement, and screen time. Data were collected using questionnaires, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of these digital behaviors on social isolation. The results indicate that screen time was a significant predictor of social isolation, with higher levels of screen exposure associated with an increased likelihood of social isolation. In contrast, social media use, digital communication preferences, and online learning engagement did not show a statistically significant association with social isolation. These findings highlight the potential risks of excessive screen time for students’ social well-being and underscore the importance of promoting balanced digital use alongside meaningful faceto-face interactions. The study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mental health practitioners seeking to foster social connectedness in increasingly digital learning environments.