Study: Even a Week Offline Considerably Boosts Mental Well-being,Meta Allegedly Suppressed Similar Findings
A new study from Harvard Medical School demonstrates that even a seven-day break from social media platforms like Instagram adn TikTok can lead to “quickly and significantly” improved mental well-being. Participants in the study subjectively found thier use of social media to be problematic and experienced benefits including reduced pressure to compare themselves to others,less distraction,and decreased sensory overload.
The findings coincide with allegations that meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, halted an internal study in 2020 – dubbed “Project Mercury” – that reached similar conclusions about the negative impacts of its platforms. Court documents suggest Meta canceled the project after it showed detrimental effects when users abstained from Instagram and Facebook for a week,citing “methodological deficiencies” while critics allege the decision stemmed from ”Concern about user growth.”
the revelations are part of a class action lawsuit brought by US school districts against Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat, accusing the companies of prioritizing growth over the protection of children and young people. A court hearing is scheduled for January 26.
Experts are increasingly calling for greater accountability from social media providers, including regulation of algorithmic recommendation systems, age-appropriate security systems, transparency regarding internal research, and restrictions on tracking and personalized advertising aimed at minors.
However, the Harvard study also highlights individual agency, demonstrating that “Even small breaks can help” users significantly reduce mental stress. Study leader John Torous emphasized that the positive effects of a break can be felt “surprisingly quickly.”
