Facebook generation of 16 to 24-year-olds ‘loneliest of all age-groups’

LONDON - A new research has revealed that despite thousands of friends online, the Facebook generation is the loneliest of all age-groups.

Britain’s 16 to 24-year-olds - the so-called Facebook generation - are lonelier than any other age group, researchers found yesterday.

One in three said they were bored with their lives and 28 per cent complained that loneliness was making them unhappy.

More than a quarter revealed they turned to alcohol for comfort, and half admitted to using junk food as an emotional crutch, according to the survey into national happiness levels, conducted for BBC Radio 3.

When asked what made them unhappy, 70 per cent said finances topped their list of concerns, while more than 66 percent were worried about holding down a job.

One in three said they were tormented by family or relationship problems, and they were also the age group that were most likely to struggle over their social status.

And one in three of the Facebook generation - more than any other age group - said they wanted to move abroad in search of happiness.

“There’s nothing wrong with social networking, but if it’s used instead of face-to-face meetings or phone calls than it can be very isolating,” The Daily Mail quoted behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings as saying.

“Real friendships are made through shared experiences and bonds. Some social networking “friends” are barely even acquaintances, without any real meaning or intimacy.” (ANI)