A new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found that it’s how young people use social media, not how long they use it, that matters most in relation to their mental health.
Challenging Common Beliefs About Social Media Use
The groundbreaking study, led by psychology professor Dr. Amori Mikami, has challenged widespread assumptions about social media and mental health. Contrary to the belief that time spent online is the key factor, the research reveals that how young people use social media has a far greater impact on their well-being.
The study found that intentional, mindful engagement with social media can significantly improve mental health, reducing the negative effects often linked to excessive use. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, the findings may provide valuable insights for individuals, businesses, and social media platforms looking to foster healthier online habits.
How The Study Worked
The study, involving 393 Canadian young adults aged 17 to 29, explored two approaches to modifying social media habits, i.e. abstinence and intentional use. Participants were divided into three groups:
1. Control Group: No changes to their usual social media habits.
2. Abstinence Group: Encouraged to stop using social media entirely.
3. Tutorial Group: Coached to use social media more thoughtfully by fostering meaningful interactions and avoiding harmful comparisons.
Over six weeks, the participants’ social media behaviours were tracked using self-reports and smartphone monitoring, while their mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness, were assessed.
The Key Findings
The study revealed that both the abstinence and tutorial groups experienced mental health benefits compared to the control group, but in different ways. For example, the study revealed that:
– Abstinence reduced anxiety and depression. Those who abstained entirely saw the largest decreases in symptoms of anxiety and depression. This was attributed to a decline in social comparison and the pressures of self-presentation.
– Intentional use combated loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO). The tutorial group, who were coached to prioritise meaningful online interactions, reported reduced feelings of loneliness and FOMO. Unlike the abstinence group, these participants still engaged with social media but in a way that supported their mental health.
Interestingly, while both approaches reduced social comparisons, the tutorial group’s method of selectively following and muting accounts proved effective in building a healthier online environment.
Why These Results Matter
One important finding of the study was that quitting social media altogether isn’t the only path to better mental health. For example, by adopting intentional practices, such as unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings and actively engaging with supportive friends, users can reap the benefits of connectivity without falling into harmful patterns.
The study’s leader, Dr. Mikami, highlighted the practical nature of these changes, saying: “For many people, quitting social media isn’t realistic. But curating a more positive experience is a viable way to support mental well-being.”
These findings also carry significant implications for businesses that rely on social media advertising. With users becoming increasingly aware of their online habits, businesses may need to reconsider how they engage with audiences. Content that fosters positive interactions and avoids triggering negative self-comparisons could become more effective in maintaining consumer trust and loyalty.
What About Social Media Companies?
Social media platforms are under growing pressure to address their impact on mental health. The UBC’s research highlights the need for features that promote healthier usage, such as tools for muting harmful content or encouraging active, meaningful interactions.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook could also benefit from transparency about curated content. For example, promoting the idea that most posts represent highly filtered versions of reality might help users avoid damaging comparisons.
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The findings arrive as global governments grapple with the implications of social media on young users. Notably, the Australian Senate has just passed legislation banning social media use for children under 16. The move reflects growing concern over the psychological impact of early and unchecked access to social platforms.
While Australia’s ban seeks to address potential harms by restricting access, UBC’s research offers a complementary perspective, i.e. that education and intentional usage might achieve similar, if not better, outcomes without requiring full abstinence. Together, these approaches could shape future policies and intervention strategies worldwide.
The Bigger Picture
The UBC study provides a balanced view, showing that social media is neither inherently harmful nor entirely beneficial; rather, its impact depends largely on how it is used. With 81 per cent of young adults in North America regularly using social media, and platforms like Instagram and Facebook seeing significant growth during the pandemic, these insights are timely.
The research also challenges the notion of “digital detoxes” as the sole solution to mental health issues. Instead, it calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging users to actively shape their online experiences rather than retreat from them entirely.
Dr. Mikami summarised the findings, saying: “For young people, it’s not about logging off—it’s about logging on with intention.”
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
The findings from the UBC study show that the relationship between social media and mental health is more nuanced than many people thought. Far from being a one-dimensional issue, the impact of social media use appears to depend on the quality of engagement rather than the quantity of time spent online. This shift in perspective challenges the prevailing belief that limiting screen time is the only way to improve well-being. Instead, it opens the door to alternative strategies that allow users to maintain their online presence while fostering healthier habits.
For individuals, the message is clear: curating a positive online experience by actively managing who they follow and how they interact can reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and FOMO. It is a practical and attainable solution, especially for those who rely on social media for personal or professional connections.
While features such as muting, unfollowing, and transparency about curated content already exist, their effectiveness depends on widespread awareness and adoption. Platforms must, therefore, actively promote tools that encourage mindful use and consider designing new features to enhance meaningful interactions. This shift could help address growing concerns about the negative effects of social media, particularly among younger users.
The study’s insights also resonate with broader policy discussions, such as Australia’s recent decision to ban social media use for those under 16 without parental consent. While such measures aim to mitigate risks, the UBC findings suggest that education on intentional use could be equally, if not more, effective.
The research, therefore, reframes the debate on social media, moving beyond the binary of “good” or “bad” usage. For a generation deeply entwined with digital technology, this perspective offers hope that social media can be a tool for connection and growth rather than a source of stress and comparison.
