Digital bridges to social connection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of digital interventions for loneliness and social isolation.

ABSTRACT: As loneliness and social isolation emerge as pressing public health concerns, identifying effective interventions is essential. Digital solutions offer flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches, yet their effectiveness remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched seven databases and grey literature (2022-) and applied random-effects models to pool effect sizes by intervention type. A total of 40 RCTs involving 6062 participants were included, with one-third focusing on younger individuals. Loneliness was assessed in 36 studies, while eight examined social isolation. Interventions were classified as

SUBMITTER: Hansen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12281013 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature