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December 10.2025

2 Minutes Read

One Week Less on Social Media: Unpacking the Mental Health Benefits

Young girl on couch concerned with phone, One Week Less on Social Media Mental Health.

Unplugging from Social Media: A Path to Improved Mental Health

The allure of social media is undeniable, especially for young adults who find many aspects of their lives intertwined with these platforms. However, a recent study indicates that merely taking a one-week break from social media can herald significant improvements in mental health, particularly for anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.

The Study: What Was Found

In research published in the JAMA Network Open, 295 young adults aged 18 to 24 participated in a week-long digital detox, reducing their social media use from nearly two hours daily to just 30 minutes. Post-detox, participants reported a 16.1% reduction in anxiety, a 24.8% decrease in depressive symptoms, and a 14.5% improvement in sleep patterns. Specifically, those with existing moderate to severe depression found the most relief.

Breaking Down the Findings

Dr. John Torous, a co-author of the study, cautioned that while these averages are promising, they do not guarantee benefits for everyone. The study’s design merely tracked changes rather than assigning participants randomly, which might have skewed perceptions of the detox's effectiveness. Furthermore, the study did not indicate any changes in feelings of loneliness, suggesting that while individuals may feel less anxious or depressed, their social connections through digital platforms may still be valuable.

The Wider Conversation: Social Media's Role in Mental Health

Experts, including Mitch Prinstein from the American Psychological Association, emphasize the value of social media breaks as a straightforward, cost-free solution to boost mental health. However, they also highlight that results from similar studies have been mixed, with some showing minimal or no sustained benefits from digital detoxes.

What This Means for Young Adults

The findings offer an actionable insight for individuals grappling with mental distress: consider reducing social media consumption as part of a broader mental health strategy. While not a replacement for professional treatment, it may serve as an adjunct therapy for those already receiving care.

Moving Forward: Call to Action

If you’re feeling the burden of online interactions, think about whether a temporary break could help. Balancing your digital life can be part of a healthy mental wellness routine. For more personalized strategies about managing your social media use, reach out to our experts for guidance.

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One Week Less on Social Media: Unpacking the Mental Health Benefits

Unplugging from Social Media: A Path to Improved Mental Health

The Study: What Was Found

Breaking Down the Findings

The Wider Conversation: Social Media's Role in Mental Health

What This Means for Young Adults

Moving Forward: Call to Action

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