Social Media Overuse Linked to Decline in Mental Health

The phenomenon of "doom-scrolling"—that compulsive, mindless consumption of online content—is more than just a bad habit; it is significantly eroding mental health, particularly among young women in Western nations. A recent study by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, featured in the World Happiness Report, indicates that heavy engagement with social networks harms overall wellbeing.

Michael Plant, a Research Fellow at the Centre, clarified the nuance of these findings. "If you use social media for an hour a day, that's great, you're being connected," Plant noted. However, he emphasized 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 pinpoint exactly why Western countries are disproportionately affected, it highlights a striking correlation. Over the last ten years, the mental health of individuals under 25 in nations such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia has plummeted—a timeline that mirrors the explosive growth of social media platforms.

Plant admitted he was initially doubtful about the severity of the issue. "I was originally skeptical about the negativity on social media, but the evidence is mounting up," he said. He drew a parallel to previous generations, observing: "So young people are not smoking, they're not taking drugs, having lots of sex like my generation but they do have social media." He added that the architecture of these platforms is specifically engineered to "maintain engagement."

For content creators, the experience is a double-edged sword. Sydney Grows, a fitness influencer who began posting on TikTok in 2021, describes her career as "a dream." "I am very lucky, the health and fitness industry, the people are lovely the opportunities are incredible and I feel like I am living my dream every day," she said. Grows strives to foster authenticity through her posts on gym culture and sports, aiming to create a positive digital environment.

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 explained. Yet, the emotional impact remains potent. "But you know, 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."

Despite these challenges, the consensus is that social media is here to stay. Plant urged users to adopt a realistic approach, noting that neither the platforms nor the government will impose restrictions on adult users. "It's down to you," he stated. He advised users to monitor their internal narratives: "If you go 'I am looking at other people and their life seems better than mine' then I am going to feel worse." Instead, he suggested shifting focus toward real-world interactions: "So instead go 'I will go out and try to talk to people more'." His ultimate message is simple: "Overall the aim is to put the social back into social media."

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