A new study published this week in JAMA Network Open offers fresh insight into one of the most debated questions in youth mental health: Can taking a break from social media really make a difference?
According to researchers from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the answer appears to be yes—at least in the short term.
In a sample of 295 young adults aged 18–24, a one-week social media “detox” led to:
- 16.1% reduction in anxiety symptoms
- 24.8% reduction in depression symptoms
- 14.5% reduction in insomnia
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to weigh in on this research. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum at katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Lorenzo Norris is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and chief wellness officer at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Amir Afkhami is the vice chair for Clinical Affairs and the director of Medical Student Education of the GW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
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