• Stanford experiment tests effects of a 36,000-person social media break
• Reduced usage linked to improved emotional well-being in participants

A recent study from Stanford University has highlighted noticeable effects of temporarily stepping away from social media platforms, following an experiment involving around 36,000 participants asked to avoid Facebook and Instagram for up to six weeks.

The findings come amid ongoing legal and public debate over social media addiction, after a previous ruling suggested that some digital platforms may be designed to encourage compulsive use and negatively impact users’ mental health.

The experiment was conducted by researchers at Stanford University, where participants spending more than 15 minutes daily on social platforms were asked either to deactivate their accounts for several weeks or reduce usage for a shorter period, during a highly stressful phase leading up to the US presidential election.

Results showed a clear improvement in psychological well-being among those who took longer breaks, with around 27% reporting higher levels of emotional wellness compared to the control group.

Differences were also observed by age and platform. Women aged 18–24 benefited more from stepping away from Instagram, while Facebook users over the age of 35 recorded the strongest improvements overall.

However, researchers noted that some participants shifted to other apps instead of fully disconnecting from screens, suggesting that improvements may sometimes be linked to changing platforms rather than reducing screen time itself.

In response to the wider debate, tech companies rejected claims directly linking their platforms to mental health issues. Meta said mental health is complex and cannot be attributed to a single app, while Google stated that YouTube is a streaming service, not a social media platform.

The study adds further weight to the ongoing discussion about the impact of social media on mental health, as calls grow for more balanced usage and regular digital breaks.