Scientists from the British University of Swansi have discovered that reducing social media use can have a positive impact on overall health, including improving immunity and sleep quality, as well as reducing symptoms of depression and loneliness. These findings, published in the Journal of Technology in Behavior Science, suggest that limiting access to digital technology could be beneficial to our well-being.
To investigate this, researchers conducted a study involving 50 students aged 20 to 25 years. Over a period of three months, participants logged their time spent using social media and completed questionnaires about their health. The students were split into three groups: one was instructed to reduce their social media usage by 15 minutes a day, the second group continued their normal usage, while the third group were asked to reduce social media use and engage in a different activity instead.
Results showed that the first group, who reduced their social media use, experienced a 15% improvement in their immune system. In addition, symptoms of depression decreased by 30%, and participants enjoyed a 50% improvement in sleep quality. Those who attempted to reduce their social media usage by 15 minutes a day managed to decrease their average usage by 40 minutes, indicating that a small reduction can lead to a significant decrease in social media dependence.
The second group increased their social media usage by 10 minutes, while the third group spent an additional 25 minutes online. Although social media platforms can offer numerous benefits, this study highlights the importance of considering the potential negative impacts associated with excessive usage. By reducing social media use, individuals may be able to prioritize their health and well-being.
Source: Journal of Technology in Behavior Science