Survey: Social Media Makes Many Young Women Feel Excluded

More than four out of ten women aged 18 to 29 have felt excluded from social communities or less worthy because of content on social media. This is shown in If’s Nordic Health Report 2026.

The survey was conducted by the research institute Verian among 1,033 Danes and forms part of a larger Nordic study involving a total of 4,126 participants.

According to the report, 41 percent of women aged 18-29 have experienced feelings of exclusion or inadequacy on social media. By comparison, the figure is 13 percent among men in the same age group.

“Young people often showcase their social communities on social media. For those who feel lonely, social media can become a reminder that they are outside the community – and can reinforce loneliness,” says Kasper Baunkjær Olsen, head of personal insurance at If.

He describes the development as problematic.

“It is problematic because loneliness has serious consequences for the individual. Our survey shows that for many people it leads to anxiety, poor sleep and a feeling of inadequacy,” he says.

The survey also shows that younger people are generally more affected by social media than older age groups. Among 18-29-year-olds, 27 percent have felt excluded or less worthy on social media, compared with around one in five among 30-44-year-olds and one in ten among 45-59-year-olds.

“Social media often becomes a mirror in which people compare their own lives with those of others – especially during youth. Therefore, young people in particular should be aware not to let social media take up too much space,” says Kasper Baunkjær Olsen.

The report also points out that young people are more likely to seek communities and everyday routines rather than treatment as solutions to loneliness and social exclusion. Sleep, physical activity, meaningful plans and social communities are highlighted as key factors for improved wellbeing.

At Dansk Sundhedssikring, which is owned by If, advisers work with people experiencing poor wellbeing, stress and loneliness.

“Loneliness among young people is rarely about just one thing. In our counselling, we emphasise the importance of meaningful communities as part of promoting mental health. This is part of the ABC for Mental Health, which we partner with. It is well known that meaningful communities strengthen mental health – even in small ways, such as going for a walk with a friend. No one should stand alone when it comes to strengthening their own health and wellbeing,” says Claraamalie Rosenboje, Head of Mental Health Development at Dansk Sundhedssikring.

The survey was conducted in February 2026 among people aged 18 to 79 in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.