An exploratory analysis of loneliness dimensions and problematic use of social networks in adolescents

Adolescent loneliness represents a growing global public health concern that coincides with the widespread adoption of digital technologies. Recognising the complexity of loneliness experiences, this study examined the psychometric properties of the Perth A-loneness Scale (PALs) in a Spanish speaking sample of adolescents and investigated the relationships between distinct facets of loneliness and problematic social networking site use (PSNU). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,682 students (54.3% girls; aged 12–17 years; Mage = 14.18 ± 1.56) who completed the PALs and the Problematic Social Networking Site Use Scale (PSNU-S). The Spanish PALs translation demonstrated robust structural validity and achieved measurement invariance across gender and age groups, supporting a nuanced conceptualisation of adolescent loneliness. Feelings of Isolation exhibited a significant direct relationship on negative consequences from Social Networking Site use (p < .001), while Negative Attitudes Toward Solitude showed significant indirect and total effects (p < .001) but no direct effect. These findings highlight the importance of examining loneliness as a multidimensional construct and provide critical insights for developing targeted psychoeducational interventions to enhance adolescents' emotional well-being by addressing both solitude-related experiences and problematic social media use patterns.