A recent research developed by Iowa State University in the United States revealed that limiting the use of social networks to 30 minutes a day can have a significant positive impact on mental state, reducing anxiety, depression and loneliness in young users (children and adolescents). ).
This study, published in Mind and Behavior Technology, involved 230 college students randomly assigned to an intervention group who received reminders to moderate their time online.
During the two-week experiment, it was observed that participants who followed the recommendation showed a notable improvement in their emotional well-being. Besides, These young people reported feeling a greater amount of positive emotions, such as feeling encouraged and proud, compared to those in the control group.
For her part, student Ella Faulhaber, project leader, His surprise at the multidimensional improvement in the well-being of the participants was highlighted in the public light. as a result of a relatively simple intervention that motivates the modulation of behavior in networks.
Furthermore, the study suggested that, even in cases where users occasionally exceeded the established time limit, the benefits to their mental health were evident.
This fact highlights the flexibility and viability of implement self-control measures in the use of digital technology to promote better mental health well-being.
Some subjects shared that, despite encountering challenges during the first days of restriction on their access to networks, Over time they experienced improvement in their personal productivity and sleep quality.
Others noted an increase in time spent on in-person interactions, reinforcing the importance of human connection over virtual one. The researchers also compared this initiative with other stricter network use control measures, highlighting the advantage of their approach as being less invasive and more sustainable in the long term.
Researchers reflected on the complex balance between the connectivity benefits that social media offers and its potential negative effects on mental health.
Also, encourage future research to delve into the dynamics of use and its long-term implicationssuggesting that despite living in an “age of anxiety,” there are strategies within reach to manage and improve personal well-being.
A recent study titled ‘Impact of increased use of the Internet and social networks on the mental health of young people and adolescents’ revealed worrying data on the relationship between time spent on digital platforms and the emotional well-being of the younger population.
According to this analysis, An alarming 33% of children and adolescents between 12 and 16 years old show signs of a possible compulsive dependence on these media. Comparatively, 11.3% of young people between 15 and 24 years old also present a similar risk of addiction.
Likewise, he pointed out that the inappropriate use of these technologies leads to a series of worrying symptoms that include:
- A growing need to be constantly connected.
- Experiencing withdrawal signs when not having access to the Internet.
- Suffer significant disruptions in various areas of daily life.
A notable aspect of the study is that Almost half of the students surveyed (44.6%) admitted that the time spent browsing online has decreased the hours dedicated to their studies.
This finding emphasizes the need to address the way in which minors interact with the digital world, suggesting a deep reflection on the use of the Internet and social networks in this demographic group.
The results underscore the importance of implementing educational and wellness strategies that promote healthy technology use among young people.
