Study Shows Social Media Detox For A Week Can Improve Youth’s Mental Health - Expert Decodes

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? The majority of people have the same answer to this – checking Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp. Social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. But it often comes with a hefty price to pay, as it may impact one’s mental health negatively. That’s where social media detox comes into play. Do you know that a recent study showed that one week of social media detox can help improve the youth’s mental health? Keep reading to know more about this.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Divya Shree KR, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

What Is The New Study On Social Media Detox All About?

As per a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, short breaks from social media can improve mental health of the youth. Findings of the study showed that the one-week social media detox significantly improved youth mental health. It observed reductions in anxiety by about 16%, depression by nearly 25%, and insomnia by nearly 15% in young adults, who participated in the study.

The participants who reported moderate to severe depression showed considerable improvement. This suggests that social media breaks may be most valuable for those who are already struggling with poor mental health.

Signs You Need A Break From Social Media

The first step towards social media detox is knowing that you need one. Our expert shares signs to look out for.

“If there’s a constant feeling of anxiety and stress after using social media, it may be a sign you need a break. Notice if you spend more time scrolling than doing important tasks or enjoying real-life activities. Feeling jealous, lonely, or unhappy when seeing others’ posts can also indicate social media is affecting your mood. If you have trouble sleeping because of late-night scrolling, or if notifications keep distracting you from work, it is a warning sign. Losing interest in hobbies, avoiding friends or family, or feeling mentally drained after using social media are other clear signs. Taking a break can help you feel calmer, more focused, and happier,” explains Dr Shree KR.

Also Read: Therapy in Reels: Can Mental Health Advice on Instagram Be Trusted?

Can Social Media Detox Improve Your Mental Health?

Now suppose you are already on a social media detox, here’s how it can help you, for good. “Yes, a social media detox can improve your mental health because it reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of comparison. When you stop constantly checking feeds, you give your mind a chance to rest and focus on real-life activities. It can improve your mood by limiting exposure to negative or unrealistic content that often causes jealousy or self-doubt,” answers the expert.

She adds, “A break from social media can also help you sleep better, as you are not scrolling late at night. It allows more time for hobbies, exercise, and face-to-face interactions, which boost happiness and emotional well-being. Overall, a detox creates mental space, helps you feel calmer, more present, and more in control of your life.”

Tips To Detox From Social Media

On this note, Dr Divya Shree KR share simple tips to effectively detox from social media:

• Start by setting specific time limits for daily use or schedule ‘social media-free’ hours.
• Turn off notifications to avoid constant distractions and reduce the urge to check your phone. Remove apps from your home screen or log out after each use to make access less automatic. Replace scrolling with healthy activities like reading, exercising, journaling, or spending time with friends and family.
• Practice mindfulness by noticing your feelings when you want to check social media and consciously choose another activity.
• You can also try a full short-term break, like one day or one week, to reset your habits.
• Reflect on how the detox improves your mood and focus.

Mental Health Benefits Of Social Media Detox

Social media detox offers several mental health benefits. The expert lists them down for us:

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of comparison that often come from constant online exposure.
• It helps improve mood because you are less affected by negative or unrealistic posts.
• Detoxing can increase focus and productivity, as you spend less time distracted by notifications. It promotes better sleep by reducing late-night scrolling and screen time.
• Taking a break also encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, helping you understand your emotions and priorities more clearly.
• Detoxing allows more time for hobbies, exercise, and face-to-face interactions, which boost happiness and emotional well-being.
• Overall, a social media detox can make you feel calmer, more balanced, and more in control of your life.

Long-term Lifestyle Tips For Healthy Digital Habits

Is social media detox sustainable in the longer run? Dr Shree KR shares simple tips which can help you maintain healthy digital habits long-term:

• Start by setting daily screen time limits and sticking to them consistently.
• Schedule regular breaks from devices, especially during work or study, to rest your eyes and mind. Turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce distractions and stress.
• Prioritize face-to-face interactions and real-life activities over online time to strengthen relationships and well-being.
• Create ‘no-phone zones’ like the bedroom or dining area to encourage better sleep and mindful eating.
• Practice mindfulness by noticing how digital use affects your mood and adjusting habits accordingly.
• Use apps or tools to keep a track on and manage screen time.
• Balance online learning or entertainment with hobbies, exercise, and outdoor activities to support overall mental and physical health.

Also Read: Do You Feel Anxious After Checking Your Phone? Expert Shares Why and Tips To Avoid

The Final Word

A recent study showed how a one-week of social media detox can improve the youth’s mental health. A social media detox can improve your mental health because it reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of comparison. When you stop constantly checking feeds, you give your mind a chance to rest and focus on real-life activities.