CURF Spring 2021 Research Fair

Follow Friends, One Hour a Day

Social media use is ubiquitous among young adults and empirical research is increasingly suggesting that how it is used, and how much time is spent using it have significant implications for psychological well-being. Previous research found that limiting, but not eliminating social media has beneficial effects (Hunt et al., 2018). Correlational findings suggest that following actual friends is beneficial, while following strangers can be harmful (Hunt et al., 2020). The current study sought to test the impact of limiting time spent on social media as well as “muting” strangers on Instagram in an experimental paradigm. We found that limiting social media use to 60 minutes per day (versus unlimited use) led to reductions in depression for the most distressed participants. Moreover, muting strangers on Instagram, in addition to limiting time, led to significant reductions in fear of missing out for the most distressed participants. Muting strangers also led to significant reductions in social comparison. The amount of time spent on social media and who you interact with both have an impact on well-being. 

 

PRESENTED BY
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
College of Arts & Sciences 2021
Advised By
Melissa Hunt
Associate Director of Clinical Training
Join Jia (Elisa) for a virtual discussion
PRESENTED BY
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
College of Arts & Sciences 2021
Advised By
Melissa Hunt
Associate Director of Clinical Training

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