Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Study Reveals Instagram Use Is Habit, Not Addiction
A new study found that most people who think they're addicted to Instagram are actually just used to using it a lot.
The study asked over 1,200 people and found that only a tiny number showed signs of real addiction.
The researchers think that calling it 'addiction' makes people feel worse and less in control.
Instead, they say it's more like a habit, which is easier to change.
The study also found that using Instagram too much can still affect sleep, stress, and health, even if it's not an addiction.
They suggest setting boundaries, like not using it before bed, and replacing scrolling with healthier activities.
This is important for people in India too, where many use social media a lot.
A study found that only 2% of Instagram users show signs of addiction, despite 23% feeling addicted.
The study suggests that media coverage often exaggerates social media addiction, leading to unnecessary anxiety.
Habitual use of Instagram can still negatively impact sleep, stress, and mental well-being.
Recognizing the difference between habit and addiction can help people regain control over their social media use.
Practical advice includes setting boundaries, replacing scrolling with healthier habits, and monitoring mental and physical health.
- Who
- Researchers Ian Anderson and Wendy Wood, along with 1,200 US adults and 824 Instagram users
- What
- A study revealing that most Instagram use is habitual rather than addictive
- When
- The study was published in Scientific Reports, with data collected from 2021-2024
- Where
- The study was conducted in the US, with relevant findings for India
- Why
- To understand the distinction between habit and addiction in social media use and its impact on mental and physical health
- Study Participants
- 1,200 US adults
- Percentage Feeling Addicted
- 23%
- Percentage Showing Addiction Symptoms
- 2%
- Media Articles on Addiction
- 4,300
- Media Articles on Habit
- 50
- Indian Research Institution
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- Age Group in Indian Study
- 24-29
- Health Risks Identified
- Poor sleep, higher stress, irregular blood pressure