Yogyakarta, February 24, 2026 – Amid the rapid advancement of digital technology that enables people to stay constantly connected, loneliness has emerged as a new challenge for young generations. This phenomenon is highlighted in a recent study titled “A Multidimensional Predictive Model of Loneliness in Indonesian Generation Z,” published in the Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun.
The collaborative research was conducted by Siti Mahmudah, Salim Mahmud, Dian Mufitasari,, Astuti Fuji, and Umdatul Khoirot. One of the researchers from the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dian Mufitasari, explained that the study aimed to develop a multidimensional predictive model to better understand the dynamics of factors influencing loneliness levels among Generation Z in Indonesia.
Using a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, the researchers involved 527 Generation Z respondents from various regions across Indonesia. The data were analyzed using advanced statistical methods, namely Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA-SEM) and path analysis, to examine complex relationships among psychological, social, and spiritual latent variables.
The findings indicate that self-compassion (the ability to show kindness toward oneself) and self-acceptance play significant roles in reducing loneliness. These results emphasize the importance of individuals’ internal resources in managing loneliness in the digital era.
However, an interesting finding emerged regarding the gratitude variable, which showed a positive relationship with loneliness. This suggests that, within the digital context, gratitude does not always correspond with reduced loneliness but may instead be shaped by broader socio-cultural dynamics.
The study also found that social support plays a key mediating role. Social support bridges the influence of social interaction and self-compassion in reducing loneliness. Thus, social support serves as a crucial mechanism explaining how social interactions and individual psychological resources can help lower loneliness.
Overall, the study offers a novel approach by integrating psychological, social, and spiritual aspects into a single analytical model. This model provides both theoretical and practical contributions to understanding loneliness among Generation Z, particularly in the digital era.
The findings are expected to serve as a foundation for designing more culturally sensitive interventions, especially in efforts to improve the mental health of young people amid ongoing digital transformation.
Congratulations to Dian Mufitasari, M.Psi., Psychologist, and the author team.
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Editor: Zufar