Final answer:
Studies indicate that college students prone to loneliness due to less social support tend to exhibit weaker immune responses to viruses. Social networks provide significant benefits by bolstering the immune system, especially in stressful situations, and the lack thereof can make individuals more susceptible to illness. Among college students, loneliness and lack of social support are often linked to reduced immune responses to viruses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social connections have been found to be essential in maintaining a robust immune system. The concept is supported by various studies, including ones where individuals with higher levels of social support had better survival rates for diseases such as breast cancer and HIV, and were less likely to contract common colds after being exposed to viruses. This indicates that social engagement and support can have a direct influence on one's health and ability to fend off illnesses.
Specifically, research suggests that social support can enhance immune functioning, with stress being a significant factor in this relationship. For instance, spouses of cancer patients with high social support showed better immunity measures, and the same trend was observed across various demographics, such as medical students and elderly adults. This highlights the importance of social networks in health outcomes, which can be particularly relevant for college students who may experience diminished social support when moving away from home to attend college.