A recent study has revealed that spending too much time passively browsing through social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, especially among young adults. The research, published in the journal Behaviour & Information Technology, involved surveying 288 participants between the ages of 18 and 34 to understand the connection between different styles of social media engagement and emotional well-being.
The study focused on three types of social media use: passive, active non-social, and active social. Passive use involved solely consuming content from others, while active non-social use entailed sharing one’s own content without engaging directly with others. On the other hand, active social use included both posting personal content and interacting with other users and their posts.
The findings revealed that increased passive social media use was associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Interestingly, creating and sharing content without engaging with others directly had a positive impact on reducing stress.
Constantina Panourgia, the corresponding author of the study and a senior lecturer in developmental psychology at Bournemouth University, explained that active non-social media use, which allows users to receive feedback such as likes and positive comments on their posts without the pressure of constant social interactions, had beneficial effects on stress levels.
Panourgia also noted that passive social media use lacks opportunities for communication and self-expression, which are important for fostering connection and social support. This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, ultimately resulting in increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
The study serves as a reminder that excessive scrolling through social media feeds may have negative consequences for mental health. It highlights the importance of balancing online interactions and actively participating in social media rather than simply observing others’ content. Taking breaks from social media and engaging in meaningful offline activities can also contribute to overall well-being.
