A week without social networks reduces the risk of anxiety and depression and improves mental health according to a study
A team of researchers from the University of Bath (UK) conducted a study on the impact of the use of social networks on people’s mental health. The results of this research focused on the effects of a week off, showed that a week without using these networks could improve people’s well-being and reduce mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
According to the journal “Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking”, this study took as reference the consumption habits of 154 people aged 18 to 72 who use the networks daily. These people were divided into two groups, including a control group, which was able to continue using social media.
“Many of our participants have reported the positive effects of social media distancing. These include an improvement in mood and a decrease in anxiety. This suggests that even a short break can have an impact,” said Bathz Health Department lead researcher Dr Jeff Lambert, reported by Europa Press.
According to data from Statista, users find contradictions in using these platforms. On the one hand, they believe that they have been able to access more information and that they have favored communication and freedom of expression.
On the other hand, respondents also felt that social media had deteriorated their privacy and increased political polarization and distractions.
However, users access social networks for a variety of reasons, with staying in touch with friends and family being the main reason, in 47.6% of cases.
In contrast, 36.3% of respondents go online to have fun and hang out, while 35.1% go online to read and access information, and 31.6% to search for content.
29.5% of Internet users have an account on these social networks to check the topics discussed, 27.7% of them to find inspiration and make purchases, and 23.9% to make new contacts.
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