Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Weeklong Social Media Cutback Boosts Mental Health
A new study found that taking a one-week break from social media can help young adults feel better.
The study had 295 people aged 18 to 24 reduce their social media time from nearly 2 hours a day to just 30 minutes.
After a week, they felt less anxious, less depressed, and slept better.
People who were more depressed at the start of the study saw the biggest improvements.
However, the study did not find any changes in feelings of loneliness.
Experts say that while this is a good start, it should not replace professional help.
They also note that the benefits might not last long and more research is needed.
A study found that reducing social media use for one week improved mental health in young adults.
Participants reduced their social media time from nearly 2 hours a day to 30 minutes a day.
After a week, anxiety symptoms fell by 16.1%, depression by 24.8%, and insomnia by 14.5%.
The biggest improvements were seen in participants with more severe depression at the start.
The study did not find any changes in levels of loneliness.
- Who
- 295 young adults aged 18 to 24
- What
- A study on the effects of reducing social media use on mental health
- When
- After one week of reduced social media use
- Where
- Not specified, but the study was published in JAMA Network Open
- Why
- To understand the impact of social media on mental health
- Study Participants
- 295 young adults aged 18 to 24
- Social Media Reduction
- From nearly 2 hours/day to 30 minutes/day
- Anxiety Reduction
- 16.1%
- Depression Reduction
- 24.8%
- Insomnia Reduction
- 14.5%
- Loneliness Change
- No change reported
- Study Duration
- One week
- Study Publication
- JAMA Network Open