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Psychology professor Amory Mikamianda studied the effects of completely logging out of social media accounts compared to targeted regulation of their use. Overall, the results showed that both users who carefully managed their online interactions and those who stayed away from social media saw mental health benefits, including reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness, Channel 24 reported, linking to a paper from the University of California. . British Columbia. However, the scientist and his team wanted to find out whether this was the whole picture or whether something else was hiding behind it.

Rather than viewing social media as an all-or-nothing option, the research examined whether “smarter” methods of interaction could improve users’ well-being. Looking ahead, it all ended with this result: The impact of social media on teens’ mental health may depend more on how teens use social media than the time they spend there..

In a six-week study, 393 young Canadians with specific mental health symptoms and concerns about the impact of social media on their mental health were divided into three groups:

• A control group that continued to lead a normal lifestyle.
• The care group was asked to stop using social media altogether.
• Working group for responsible use. These participants were taught to create meaningful connections and networks. Limit interactions that encourage self-comparisonand choose carefully who they follow.

In both the deprivation group and the study group, participants reduced their social media use and were less likely to compare themselves to others; which was a common trigger for anxiety and low self-esteem. Although participants in the study group did not reduce their social media use as much as those who tried to abstain completely, they did report a significant reduction in feelings of loneliness and fear of missing out.

By comparison, those who avoided social media altogether were better at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety but did not report an improvement in their feelings of loneliness.

Turning off social media can relieve some of the pressure young people feel when presenting themselves online. But stopping using social media can also deprive teens of social connections with friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation.
– scientists write.

A balanced approach is the best option

Dr. Amory Mikamianda, along with graduate students Adri Khalis and Vasileya Karasava, adopted a working group approach that emphasizes quality over quantity in social media interactions. Closing or unfollowing accounts that cause jealousy or negative self-comparison and prioritizing close friendstraining participants created a healthier online environment. Rather than passively scrolling through pages, they were encouraged to actively engage with their friends by commenting or sending direct messages; They helped users feel more socially supported while encouraging behaviors that tend to deepen meaningful connections.

According to the researchers, such a balanced approach could be a realistic alternative to complete abstinence, which may not be possible for many young people.

Social networks are here to stay. For many people, getting rid of them is not a realistic option. But with the right management, young people can have a more positive experience of using social media to support rather than worsen their mental health.
– concludes the article.

The results of the study could become valuable information for school mental health programs. Scientists think there is a need for future educational lessons in which young people learn to use social networks not as a source of comparison and stress, but as a tool to strengthen their relationships. Such an approach can break the cycle of quitting social media and returning later, sometimes with worse results.