A recent study from the World Happiness Report has highlighted the negative impact of excessive social media use on wellbeing, particularly among young people in the UK. The report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, found a correlation between the amount of time spent on social media and a loss of wellbeing.
According to the report, using social media for an hour a day is unlikely to have a negative impact, but spending more time on platforms can lead to a decline in wellbeing. This is particularly concerning for under 25s in the UK, who have seen a significant drop in wellbeing over the past decade, coinciding with the rise of social media.
Research Fellow at the Wellbeing Research Centre, Michael Plant, explained that the platforms are designed to maintain engagement, which can lead to a negative impact on wellbeing. 'It's about being realistic and looking at yourself - the platforms won't stop you and the government, if you're an adult, won't put restrictions in place so it's down to you,' he said.
Plant's comments highlight the importance of being mindful of social media use and taking steps to maintain a healthy balance. This can include setting limits on screen time, engaging in offline activities, and promoting authenticity and positivity in online interactions.