Efficacy of Technology-Based Interventions on the Reduction of Loneliness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Zdenek Meier, Marie Buchtova, Jan Sandora, Lukas Novak, Jakub Helvich, Ondrej Buchta, Jana Furstova, Klara Malinakova, Peter Tavel, Stefano Brini · 2026
Read Efficacy of Technology-Based Interventions on the Reduction of Loneliness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Zdenek Meier, Marie Buchtova, Jan Sandora, Lukas Novak, Jakub Helvich, Ondrej Buchta, Jana Furstova, Klara Malinakova, Peter Tavel, Stefano Brini (2026) in the Tower of Babel, a free online library of public-domain works preserved in clean, searchable text. No sign-up. The full text is served as a plain-text file at a predictable URL, where text is present: https://antarctic-labs.com/tower-of-babel/pmc-13158556.txt.
Description
Zdenek Meier and co-authors pool the trial evidence on whether tech tools can ease loneliness, in this 2026 meta-analysis. Loneliness is a broad health risk, and apps, robots, and online programs are often pitched as answers. The team searched seven databases and kept only randomized trials with usable numbers. Seven studies covering 580 people qualified, spanning all ages.
The pooled effect was small and not statistically reliable. Study results scattered widely, and the prediction range ran from strong benefit to real harm. A funnel check hinted at asymmetry, though no missing studies could be pinned down. Too few trials existed to compare tool types. The authors conclude the evidence does not yet back tech as a loneliness cure, a stricter verdict than earlier reviews.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Zdenek Meier, Marie Buchtova, Jan Sandora, Lukas Novak, Jakub Helvich, Ondrej Buchta, Jana Furstova, Klara Malinakova, Peter Tavel, Stefano Brini |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 54 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |