Title: Heavy Social Media Use Linked to Declining Wellbeing

The phenomenon of "doom-scrolling"—that mindless, numbing habit of endlessly browsing—is more than just a bad habit; it is actively harming mental health, particularly among young women in Western nations. A recent study by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, which contributed to the World Happiness Report, confirms that excessive social media consumption has a detrimental effect on overall wellbeing.

Michael Plant, a Research Fellow at the centre, notes that moderate use can be beneficial. "If you use social media for an hour a day, that's great, you're being connected," Plant explains. However, he warns that the data reveals a direct correlation: "The more time you spend on social media, the greater the loss of wellbeing."

While the report does not pinpoint the exact reasons why the Western world is disproportionately affected, it highlights a stark trend: over the last decade, the wellbeing of individuals under 25 in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK has plummeted. This decline coincides precisely with the rapid expansion of social media platforms.

"I was originally skeptical about the negativity on social media, but the evidence is mounting up," Plant admits. He contrasts the current generation with his own, observing that while young people today are less likely to smoke, take drugs, or engage in frequent sexual activity, they are heavily immersed in digital platforms. "And the platforms are designed to maintain engagement," he adds.

Despite these concerns, some users find significant value in these spaces. 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 health and fitness industry, the people are lovely the opportunities are incredible and I feel like I am living my dream every day."

Grows strives to foster authenticity in her interactions, whether in the gym or at sporting events, aiming to create a positive environment. However, she acknowledges the emotional 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 psychological impact of criticism 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."

With social media now as ubiquitous as Pandora’s box has been released, it is here to stay. Consequently, Plant suggests that the onus lies on individual responsibility. "It's about being realistic and looking at yourself - the platforms won't stop you and the government, if you're an adult, won't put restrictions in place so it's down to you," he says.

He advises users to be mindful of 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 recommends shifting focus outward: "So instead go 'I will go out and try to talk to people more'." Ultimately, Plant believes the goal should be to "put the social back into social media."

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