Title: Heavy Social Media Use Linked to Declining Wellbeing

The phenomenon of "doom-scrolling"—a mindless, numbing habit—may be taking a significant toll on mental health, particularly among young women in Western nations. According to the World Happiness Report, released by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, excessive engagement with social networks is detrimental to overall wellbeing.

Michael Plant, a Research Fellow at the centre, acknowledges the benefits of moderate usage. "If you use social media for an hour a day, that's great, you're being connected," he explains. However, he notes that the data reveals a clear trend: "the more time you spend on social media the greater loss of wellbeing."

While the report does not identify specific reasons why the Western world is disproportionately affected, it highlights a stark correlation between the rise of social platforms and declining mental health among those under 25. In nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States, youth wellbeing has plummeted over the last ten years, a period that coincides with the rapid expansion of social media.

Plant admits he was initially doubtful about the extent of the harm but has been convinced by the accumulating data. He contrasts current youth behaviors with previous generations, noting that while young people today are less likely to smoke, use drugs, or engage in excessive sexual activity, they are heavy users of social platforms. He emphasizes that these platforms are engineered to maximize user engagement.

Despite the broader negative trends, some creators find success within the ecosystem. Sydney Grows, a fitness content creator who began posting on TikTok in 2021, describes her experience as "a dream." She highlights the supportive nature of the health and fitness community, stating, "I am very lucky... the people are lovely, the opportunities are incredible and I feel like I am living my dream every day."

Grows strives to foster authenticity through her content, which features gym interactions and sporting events. However, she acknowledges the psychological toll of online interaction. "I tend to block out the negative comments, I've had four years worth of practice to build the resilience," she says. Yet, the emotional impact of criticism remains potent: "you'll get 100 positive comments and it doesn't sink in but then you get one negative comment and it feels personal and it hurts."

Given that social media is now an irreversible part of modern life, Plant urges a realistic approach to its management. He argues that neither the platforms nor the government will impose restrictions on adult users, placing the responsibility on individuals. "It's about being realistic and looking at yourself," he advises.

Plant suggests shifting focus from comparison to connection. "If you go 'I am looking at other people and their life seems better than mine' then I am going to feel worse," he says. Instead, he recommends, "I will go out and try to talk to people more." Ultimately, the goal is to "put the social back into social media."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-23 06:27:17 UTC