What the research says
A growing body of research is examining what happens when people step back from social media platforms. The results are encouraging — but more nuanced than headlines suggest.
A 2024 study from the University of Bath found that participants who took a one-week break from social media reported significant improvements in well-being, depression, and anxiety scores compared to a control group.
The nuance matters
However, it's not as simple as "social media is bad." Research consistently shows that the type of social media use matters more than the amount:
- Passive consumption (scrolling, watching) tends to decrease well-being
- Active engagement (messaging friends, creating content) can increase well-being
- Social comparison is the strongest predictor of negative outcomes
The takeaway? A total break can be a useful reset, but the long-term goal should be developing a healthier relationship with these platforms, not avoiding them entirely.