MEDIA technology alleviates loneliness, according to University of York research due to be published later this month.

The university's study was commissioned by charity WaveLength, which gives TVs, radios and tablet computers to people who are lonely, isolated and living in poverty.

Last summer, Dr Annie Irvine, of the university's Social Policy Research Unit, interviewed people who have benefited from Wavelength’s work to learn what impact media technology had on their lives.

The full results will be announced at a launch event hosted by Wavelength and academics from the university on the March 23.

Dr Irvine’s research found that media technology helps to reduce loneliness in three ways - providing comfort and companionship, facilitating social connections and granting access to information or inspiration

Participants also reported that their new technology produced therapeutic effects, lifted low moods and increased their motivation to get up and go.

WaveLength’s chief executive Tim Leech said: “Media technology does not just provide entertainment: it can improve wellbeing for lonely people and give them a way back into the world.

"Wavelength is hoping to conduct more research to expand this study, reaching more participants and exploring further benefits offered by the media.”