Social Media Detox Study Shows Mental Health Benefits for Young Adults

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that a short social media detox can significantly improve mental health in young adults aged 18 to 24. Conducted by psychiatrist John Torous, the study involved 373 participants who initially used social media as usual for two weeks.

During this period, researchers collected data on social media use, step counts, and sleep through an app. At the end of the observation, standardized questionnaires assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness.

Eighty percent of participants opted for a one-week detox, during which their social media use dropped from an average of two hours per day to just thirty minutes. The results were striking, showing a 16% reduction in anxiety symptoms, a 24% decrease in depression symptoms, and a 14.5% drop in insomnia symptoms by the end of the detox.

These findings suggest that even a brief break from social media can lead to noticeable mental health benefits. Notably, only a minority of participants had elevated symptoms at baseline, with those showing higher symptoms experiencing the greatest improvement.

Dr. Mitch Prinstein from the American Psychological Association highlighted the rapidity of these results, noting that such reductions typically take eight to twelve weeks of intensive therapy. The study also found that while social media use decreased, overall screen time remained unchanged, suggesting that the impact may be specific to social media engagement rather than screen time in general.

Experts provided tips for those considering a detox, including setting specific times for social media use, making it harder to log on, protecting sleep by avoiding nighttime scrolling, and replacing social media habits with physical activities like walking.

Dr. Amir Afkhami also pointed out that for individuals with underlying mental health conditions, seeking professional treatment remains essential. This study illustrates the increasing concern over the mental health impacts of social media usage and underscores the importance of balancing digital engagement with mental well-being.