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In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life, with the average UK adult spending nearly two hours on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Younger users often exceed five hours of screen time, finding it difficult to disengage from the endless stream of content. Now, a new study sheds light on how our bodies react when we engage with social media—and when we stop.
Physiological Responses to Social Media
A recent experiment involving 54 young adults revealed how the body reacts to social media use. Participants were asked to browse Instagram on their smartphones for 15 minutes while electrodes attached to their chest and fingers recorded physiological responses, such as heart rate and skin conductance (a measure of sweating). Before their social media session, participants read a news article on their phones to serve as a control condition.
Findings indicated that while scrolling through Instagram, participants’ heart rates slowed, yet their sweating responses increased—suggesting a state of deep immersion and emotional engagement. This physiological pattern is associated with being fully absorbed in an experience perceived as meaningful or emotionally significant.
The Impact of Logging Off
The most striking results occurred when participants were asked to stop using Instagram and return to reading another news article. Instead of immediately returning to a calmer state, their sweating responses increased further, and their heart rates rose. Participants also reported feelings of stress and anxiety upon disconnecting, with some even expressing cravings for social media.
These responses resemble those seen in individuals experiencing withdrawal from substance addiction. However, whether social media use constitutes an addiction remains a topic of debate.
Is Social Media Addictive?
To better understand potential addiction, researchers had participants complete a questionnaire assessing “social media addiction” symptoms. While the term is controversial and not formally recognized as a mental health disorder, the questionnaire evaluated the extent to which social media use interfered with daily life, such as work or academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Interestingly, the study found no significant physiological differences between those who scored high or low on addiction-related measures. This suggests that the observed stress responses upon logging off were common across all participants, regardless of their social media habits.
Rather than labeling social media use as an addiction, researchers believe that these platforms offer powerful rewards that keep users engaged. Features such as personalized short-video streams can create an endless loop of content consumption. However, the primary reason people spend so much time on social media is its social nature—fulfilling a fundamental human need for connection and belonging.
Reframing the Conversation
While some aspects of social media usage may resemble addictive behaviors, experts caution against pathologizing normal social engagement. If social media addiction were formally recognized, one could argue that “friendship addiction” should be as well.
Previous research suggests that reducing social media use does not necessarily lead to drastic changes in well-being. Unlike substance addiction, social needs can be fulfilled through alternative means, such as face-to-face interactions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. If you are concerned about your social media usage, consider seeking professional guidance.
Provided by The Conversation
