Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
A cohort study of over 11,000 children and adolescents found a significant association between increased social media use and greater depressive symptoms. Clinicians are advised to provide guidance on social media use for young adolescents and their parents.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
Researchers found that digital detox interventions on TikTok led to increased usage among users who were less skeptical of advertising, viewing the platform as more authentic. In contrast, users with higher skepticism showed no significant change in behavior. The study highlights the potential backfire effects of well-intentioned effor...
A new study reveals a strong association between viewing muscularity-oriented social media content and muscle dysmorphia among boys and men. Exposure to images of muscular bodies, posts promoting muscle-building supplements, and content featuring steroids increased the risk of muscle dysmorphia.
A new national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, identifies parents' greatest fears for their children around screen time. Parents' top fears include privacy and safety concerns, exposure to misinformation, and not socializing in person.
A new study from the University of Kansas analyzed how professional women soccer players in Europe use social media to promote their personal brand. The research found that when a player's team shared its social media presence with a men's team, it negatively affected women players' following.
The study analyzes 369,161 posts from Reddit's 'AITA?' board, finding that dilemmas concerning relational obligations were the most common type. Violations of trust, such as lying and cheating, were evaluated more negatively than acts of harm, highlighting the importance of trust in moral cognition.
A new analysis of 100 top TikTok videos about food noise found that half reference the use of medications, mainly anti-obesity drugs, to manage constant thoughts about food and eating. The study highlights the potential risks of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok.
Researchers found that individuals with excessive and dependent social media use are more likely to engage with and believe false information. The study suggests that social media addiction may lead to increased susceptibility to misinformation.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found no evidence supporting a diagnosis of the New Brunswick neurological syndrome of unknown cause, highlighting the need for independent clinical evaluations. The data revealed presence of several neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative conditions instead
Researchers at Michigan State University found a significant link between problematic social media use and the likelihood of believing fake news. Participants who displayed more symptoms of excessive social media use were more likely to engage with and trust false news.
A study found that Reddit is being used by people with second thoughts to openly share and seek advice before getting married. Researchers discovered that users are more comfortable expressing their unease on the platform than with family or friends, sharing topics from major red flags to smaller frustrations.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that adolescents with mental health conditions spend an average of 50 minutes extra on social media each day compared to their peers. They also report higher levels of social comparison, mood changes due to online feedback, and lower self-control over time spent on platforms.
A national study by Rutgers researchers found that nearly two-thirds of US adults have experienced some form of in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to be exposed. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in media-based exposure, with Black adults reporting the highest levels of exposure.
The proposed taxonomy identifies patterns of digital media use that could be problematic but warrant further evaluation. The study suggests that these patterns may require remediation to promote healthy adolescent development.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that nearly half of the time American children spend with their grandparents involves interacting with or watching media on a screen. Grandparents may want to watch along with their grandchildren or just want to understand what the children are watching.
Binghamton University is launching an Institute for AI and Society with $5 million in New York state funding, enabling researchers to tackle issues like online antisemitism and protecting power systems from malicious attacks. The institute will tap into the power of Empire AI, a consortium of public and private universities in New York.
A recent study by Concordia researchers uses reinforcement learning to maximize online polarization on Twitter, a platform prone to echo chambers and malicious manipulation. The approach confirms the effectiveness in intensifying disagreements across social networks.
The WNFC's player ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, social media content, and local community education events to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and CPR education in women. The league has also implemented a requirement for all coaches to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new approach to identifying fake news on social media using the SmoothDetector model. The model integrates probabilistic algorithms with deep neural networks to capture uncertainties and patterns in multimodal data, providing more nuanced judgments of authenticity.
Researchers found that both left- and right-wing users in Japan accepted and propagated pro-China illiberal narratives. The study suggests that cultural aversion to protests distorts understanding of overseas pro-democracy movements, fostering attitudes favorable toward authoritarian systems.
Eventgoers use social media to capture special moments and construct narratives of their own lives, intersecting with communal narratives. This mediated memory work influences how they experience and remember live events, blurring the lines between the present and future.
A new study found that sending young women twice-daily text messages prompting them to reflect on fitness content significantly reduced social comparison, a key mechanism contributing to poor body image. However, the study also found no significant change in body appreciation scores.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid examines the Internet's influence on politics and power, highlighting concerns about media control and erosion of democratic values. The research warns against confusing technology with media logic and emphasizes the need for critical analysis of digital narratives.
A study by UPF and UOC found that girls who use Instagram and TikTok have a more negative perception of the impact on their psychological well-being than boys. Girls tend to feel more observed and pressured by their outward image and require more external positive feedback.
A study of 45,202 Norwegian young adults found that using a screen in bed increases the risk of insomnia by 59% and cuts sleep time by 24 minutes. The type of screen activity used does not appear to matter as much as overall screen use in bed, with social media being no more disruptive than other activities.
A new study finds that firearm homicide rates rose faster among youth than adults during the second half of the pandemic, with adolescent age groups showing no sign of decreasing. Gun violence prevention programs for school-aged children are urgently needed to address this persistent rise in firearm homicide rates.
Daily electronic screen use is associated with approximately 50 minutes less sleep per week and later bedtimes in adults. The findings suggest that these disruptions are not limited to children and adolescents, particularly among those with evening chronotypes.
The world is facing critical challenges like climate change and inequality, which require international cooperation. However, scientific freedom is under threat due to illiberal and authoritarian governments, economic power, and digital media. FAPESP has played a crucial role in defending scientific freedom in Brazil.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.
A groundbreaking new study of young people's digital media use reveals evidence that smartphone ownership benefits children and links social media posting to negative outcomes. The Life in Media Survey will track digital media use and wellbeing across the lifespan.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.
A study of top 100 ADHD TikToks found that fewer than half of claims about ADHD symptoms aligned with clinical standards. Young adults' perceptions of the informational value of these videos differed from those of psychologists, leading to a potential spread of misinformation.
A new study by University of B.C. researchers found that ADHD-related content on TikTok often misrepresents the disorder and can lead to misunderstandings. The study highlights the need for mental health professionals to engage with social media platforms like TikTok to provide accurate information.
Farmers in Kansas and Missouri avoid discussing climate change, even if they hold convincing views or skepticism, due to concerns about potential conflicts and damage to their livelihoods. Many rely on social media cues to gauge others' opinions before initiating conversations, rather than traditional news media.
Research highlights how social media expectations and visual content contribute to digital stress and friendships conflicts. Disappointment from unmet expectations is a stronger predictor of conflict than constant availability pressure. Setting boundaries and managing notifications can help reduce misunderstandings.
New research reveals that second-screening can create a sense of social connection, increasing engagement and repeat viewing intentions. When viewers are alone, reaching for their phone can deepen the experience by connecting with others in real-time. In contrast, second-screen use creates a disconnect when shared with others.
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
A new NIH study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program found that teens with strong, high-quality friendships tend to have better mental health. The study suggests that emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships could help address the current youth mental health crisis.
A new report reveals young Australians are feeling financial pressure, worsening mental health, and declining trust in institutions. Cost of living, education, and mental health were identified as key concerns, with young people taking the lead in social issues.
Research from the University of Kansas found that social media did not bridge gaps between feminist groups and traditional Algerian thought, instead promoting violence and oppression. Despite having common goals, women faced misogyny and marginalization online.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found a close link between high social media use and psychiatric disorders involving delusions. Forms of delusions, such as narcissistic personality disorder and body dysmorphic disorder, were the most prevalent types related to high social media use.
A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that pre-existing emotions do not significantly impair our ability to distinguish between real and false news. Emotions triggered by news content play a pivotal role, eliciting more anger and less joy in response to false news headlines.
Researchers found significant flaws in Facebook's A/B testing methods, which can lead to misleading conclusions about ad effectiveness. The complex algorithms used by social media platforms can micro-target individuals based on unobservable factors, making it difficult to determine the true impact of ads.
Researchers found that emotional social media posts increase short-term willingness to pay for sustainable chocolate, but this effect diminishes within two weeks. The study suggests that emotional content can be an effective way to promote sustainable consumption in the short term.
Goethe University has joined Bluesky as a central social media communications channel to promote university life, research, and career opportunities. The move aims to escape problematic communication practices on X (formerly Twitter), favoring fact-based cooperation and democratic discourse.
Researchers discovered that trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy by draining our ability to use self-control and willpower. This 'happiness paradox' is caused by mentally exhausting efforts to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
A cross-sectional study of social media posts about popular medical tests found most posts were misleading or failed to mention important harms, including overdiagnosis. The data suggest a pressing need for regulation of misleading medical information on social media platforms.
A study found that social influence and trust play key roles in older adults' adoption of demand-responsive transportation. The research, conducted in Senboku New Town, Osaka, revealed significant relationships between behavioral intention and performance expectancy among older people.
A global study found that social media influencers promote controversial medical tests with limited scientific evidence, often without mentioning potential harms. The tests include full-body MRI scans, genetic testing, blood tests, and gut microbiome tests. Experts warn that these tests can lead to overdiagnosis and overuse.
A survey of 200 UK teachers found that 76% of secondary school teachers and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their students. The study reveals that male students often reflect misogynistic ideas, while female students face victims of misogyny in schools.
A comprehensive analysis of Bluesky reveals its structure, polarization, and political leanings. The platform's users, particularly those from X (formerly Twitter), exhibit left-leaning tendencies, as evident in the majority of shared links and content. The study also highlights how Bluesky diverges on the Israel-Palestine conflict topic.
A cohort study found no increase in sudden cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death among young competitive athletes in the US, contradicting reports that linked COVID-19 infection and vaccination to the risk. The study suggests that many athlete cases shown in social media videos occurred before the pandemic, not due to COVID-19.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new study found that dating app users are more likely to undergo cosmetic procedures and digitally alter their appearance. The study suggests that the emphasis on appearance in dating apps contributes to an obsession with cosmetic surgery, potentially leading to increased body dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem.
Researchers analyzed 8,600 politician accounts from 12 countries and found no significant difference in engagement patterns between left and right-leaning politicians. However, they observed a considerable increase in likes after Musk's acquisition, which may be due to early followers' increased support.
A team of researchers from Sophia University demonstrated the potential of combining social media posts and transformer-based learning models to detect heat stroke risks. The study found that a Japanese model called LUKE achieved high accuracy, suggesting its viability in monitoring heat stroke risks during heat waves.
The new book Not Your Parents' Politics reveals that young people are actively engaging in political discourse on social media with diverse forms of expression, including humor and personal experiences. These expressions shape youth political socialization and democratic participation.