Loneliness and Media Gratifications

Abstract

Loneliness might be ameliorated by the gratifications offered by the media. However, evidence in support of this assumption is mixed. Relying on an attributional view of loneliness, this study tested the proposition that people who are chronically lonely derive fewer gratifications from the media than do situationally lonely and nonlonely people. Two studies were conducted to assess the nature of the relationship between experienced loneliness and media gratifications. Results generally support the prediction that chronically lonely persons rely less on media for escape than do others. Moreover, chronically lonely persons reported the least motivation for watching their favorite soap opera.