A Week Without Social Media Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
A one-week reduction in social media use decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in young adults aged 18 to 24. A study published in the journal 'Jama Network Open' followed 295 volunteers who limited their daily use of social networks to about 30 minutes - previously it was almost two hours. On average, anxiety symptoms decreased by 16.1%, depression by 24.8%, and insomnia by 14.5%, with the greatest improvements seen in individuals with more severe depression. There were no significant changes in loneliness. The study suggests that the benefits mainly arise from avoiding problematic behaviors - such as addictive use or negative social comparisons - rather than simply reducing screen time. Experts interviewed by The New York Times are divided on the effects of screen time on mental health. Some see smartphones and social networks as causes of mental deterioration in young people. Others emphasize that online behavior is more important than time spent. Previous studies have yielded mixed results: meta-analyses show small or no effects, while newer reviews find moderate improvements in subjective well-being. Researchers hope that future studies will make it possible to use breaks from social networks more effectively and individually.