Effects of a 14-day social media abstinence on mental health and well-being: results from an experimental study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

The study investigated the effects of a 14-day social media abstinence on various mental health factors using an experimental design with follow-up assessment. Hypotheses included positive associations between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and depression, anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), and screentime. Decreases in screentime, PSU, depression and anxiety, and increases in body image were assumed for the abstinence group. Additionally, daily changes in FoMO and loneliness were explored.

Methods

Participants completed different questionnaires assessing PSU, FoMO, depression and anxiety, loneliness and body image and were randomized into control and social media abstinence groups. Daily questionnaires over 14 days assessed FoMO, loneliness, screentime

SUBMITTER: de Hesselle LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10936093 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature