If a person thinks that they may have a social media addiction, they should consider speaking with a healthcare professional.īelow are some practical strategies that may help people start their social media break.
getting frequently annoyed or frustrated with people’s posts, comments, or trending topics on social media.It may be time for a person to take a social media break if social media leads to any of the following: Learn more about social media and mental health. Stepping away from social media may help reduce FOMO-induced anxiety and loneliness. This may lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Social media use can cause FOMO and a sense of inadequacy. Eases anxietyĪ 2019 study found a positive relationship between social anxiety, loneliness, and social media addiction. They also note both a positive relationship between social connectedness and mental well-being, and a negative relationship between FOMO and mental well-being. They report a significant increase in mental well-being and social connectedness after the period of abstinence. The authors of a 2020 study asked 61 participants to abstain from social media for a week. Meanwhile, a 2018 study found that limiting social media use to about 30 minutes each day significantly reduced feelings of loneliness and depression in undergraduate students after 3 weeks.
Similarly, a 2021 study found that social media use is associated with a subsequent increase in self-reported depression symptoms. However, they also highlight that there are limitations to the research and that further study is necessary. The authors of a 2019 study note that common social media behaviors, such as constantly checking for messages, and addictive use of social media are risk factors for anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Prevents depression, anxiety, and psychological distress The effects were more pronounced in excessive social media users. Reduces stressĪ 2018 study found that abstaining from social media use for about a week reduced stress in both typical and excessive social media users. However, the authors note that adolescents who were already heavily engaged with social media may have chosen not to participate in the study because they were unwilling to reduce their use.Īnother 2021 study found that limiting adolescents’ internet access before bedtime prevented sleep problems, but this was more effective for those who were less engaged with social media. Better sleepĪ 2020 study found that a fear of missing out, known as FOMO, drives nighttime use of social media, causing sleep disturbances and sleep difficulties.Ī 2021 study involving 132 people found that limiting social media use for a week improved well-being by preventing sleep problems. Stepping away from social media, even for an indefinite time, has many benefits. Share on Pinterest McKinsey Jordan/Stocksy It also offers tips for taking a social media break. This article explores the benefits of social media breaks and discusses the signs that it might be time to take a break. The individual defines how long the break will last and which social media platforms it includes. Experts estimate that about 5–10% of people in the United States may be at risk of social media addiction.Ī social media break, or social media detox, is a period of time during which a person stops using social media to varying degrees. Recent data show that 58.4% of the global population uses social media. However, a substantial body of research suggests that it can have negative consequences. Social media has revolutionized how people interact, and it can help with building networks and connections across the globe. These activities can sometimes be difficult to stop. Many people continually check their phones and other devices for notifications and spend time scrolling through social media. Disabling certain apps, using alternative ways of communication, and other tips can help. Taking time off social media can provide a refreshing break and benefit mental health.
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