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Taking a Break from Social Media Improves Wellbeing Through Sleep Quality
Sarah Graham1, Andre Mason1, Benjamin Riordan2
1Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|January 4, 2021
Summary
Taking a break from social media use improved wellbeing. This positive effect on mental health was partly due to better sleep quality, suggesting a link between digital habits and overall wellness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Wellbeing
- Mental Health
Background:
- Increasing social media prevalence raises concerns about its negative impact on mental health.
- Understanding the relationship between social media consumption and psychological wellbeing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if limiting social media use enhances user wellbeing.
- To investigate the role of sleep quality in the association between social media use and wellbeing.
Main Methods:
- 132 participants were divided into two groups: one limiting social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat) for a week, and a control group.
- Social media usage was monitored via screenshots of device battery usage reports.
Main Results:
- Participants who reduced social media use showed a small but significant improvement in wellbeing compared to the control group.
- Improvements in wellbeing were partially mediated by enhanced sleep quality.
Conclusions:
- A temporary reduction in social media use can positively influence mental wellbeing.
- Sleep quality is a significant factor linking social media habits to overall psychological health.
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