Young Australians struggling with their mental health may find significant relief by simply stepping away from social media platforms for a short period, according to a landmark new study.
The Study: A One-Week Digital Break
Researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the United States conducted a study involving 373 participants aged between 18 and 24. The investigation aimed to uncover the direct links between social media habits and psychological wellbeing.
The findings revealed that individuals who engaged in problematic social media use, particularly behaviours like negative social comparison, were more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Significant Mental Health Improvements
A key part of the study involved a one-week social media detox, where participants intentionally reduced their use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and X.
This brief intervention yielded impressive results. On average, participants cut their weekly screen time on these apps from 13.25 hours down to 9.2 hours.
The mental health impact was even more striking. Over the seven-day period, researchers recorded a 25 per cent decline in depression symptoms and a 16 per cent reduction in anxiety. Insomnia symptoms also improved, dropping by 14.5 per cent.
The detox proved particularly effective for young people who started with more severe depression, though those with no baseline symptoms still showed notable improvement.
Context for Australian Families
This research emerges as the Albanese Government prepares to implement its social media age ban on December 10. The new policy will restrict access for children under the age of 16 on major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.
The study's authors noted that while their findings contribute to growing evidence supporting digital detoxes, more research is needed in more diverse populations to fully understand the connection between social media and youth mental health.
For now, the message is clear: even a short break from scrolling can provide a powerful boost to a young person's mental and emotional state.
