Reducing Negative Social Media Impact Through Mindful Usage, According to Research Findings
In a groundbreaking study conducted by Canadian researchers, the impact of mindful social media use on the mental health of young adults has been explored. The study, which involved 393 social media-using individuals aged between 17 and 29, found that intentional and balanced use of social media can enhance mental well-being, while strategies focusing on boundaries, positive engagement, and professional support can mitigate risks.
The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, an abstinence group, and an education group. The control group did not show any improvement during the six-week study period, while both the abstinence and education groups demonstrated mental health improvements.
The abstinence group, which was asked to refrain from using social media entirely, saw a reduction in depression, stress, and anxiety. On the other hand, the education group was encouraged to use social media more mindfully and intentionally, leading to a decrease in fear of missing out and loneliness.
Dr. Mikami, the lead researcher, emphasised that it's not just about the total amount of time spent on social media, but also about what is done on social media. He questioned whether a complete ban on social media use for 16-year-olds might lead to a rebound effect once they turn 17, suggesting that cutting down social media use on average might be a better approach.
In the education group, strategies such as setting clear boundaries, engaging with social media intentionally, monitoring for addictive behaviours, and seeking professional help when necessary were implemented. These strategies aimed to reduce the use that made participants feel bad and to amplify the use that brought them positive experiences.
Some participants in the study suggested that the tips and tricks would have been more helpful during their secondary school years. This finding underscores the importance of educating both educators and parents about the impact of social media on young teens, and encouraging them to change their own social media habits and discuss the impact with their children.
The study also suggests that there might be alternatives to completely banning social media use, especially considering that many schools in the U.S. have banned cell phones in an attempt to limit social media use, and Australia has banned it for children 16 and under.
Dr. Mikami's research focuses on the civility of social media use around hot topics and understanding and preventing cyberbullying. His work underscores the need for a holistic approach to social media use, one that balances mindful use with healthy offline habits to promote mental health and well-being in young adults.
- The education group, during their mindful use of social media, were advised to implement strategies such as setting clear boundaries, engaging intentionally, monitoring for addictive behaviors, and seeking professional help when necessary.
- The findings of the study emphasize the importance of educating both educators and parents about the impact of social media on young teens, encouraging them to change their own social media habits and discuss the impact with their children.
- Dr. Mikami's research extends beyond the mental health impacts of social media use, focusing on the civility of social media use around hot topics and understanding and preventing cyberbullying.
- The study highlights a potential need for alternatives to complete bans on social media use, considering that many schools have already prohibited cell phones to limit social media use, and Australia has banned it for children under 16.
- In light of the study's findings, it might be more effective for schools and parents to adopt a balanced approach to social media use, promoting mindful use, healthy offline habits, and mental health and well-being in young adults.
