Two things:

1. Social media is making you unhappy.

2. I do recognize the irony in claiming social media is killing part of our souls while readers are probably only here because they were redirected from a social media site.

With that out of the way, let’s get on to the point.

A new study published in Communications Psychology indicates that social media use has a direct relationship with users’ well-being, inciting negative outcomes.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that many of the effects of social media use are explained by psychological processes that happen within the same person and that they have practical significance in people’s lives,” explained lead author Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a researcher at the University of Toronto.

The study, jointly supervised by Dr. Felix Cheung and Dr. Michael Inzlicht of the University of Toronto. They found that overall, using social media was related to decreases in well-being and increases in political polarization, outrage, and boredom.

With social media playing an ever-increasing role for both individuals and society, research helping decipher its precise impacts is essential. This study emphasizes analyzing social media use in all its complexity, considering both situational and individual differences. Such nuanced investigation can inform wise regulation and usage benefiting personal and collective wellness.

While this study reveals how social media use can negatively impact well-being, there are alternatives to mitigate these effects. The authors suggest minimizing passive scrolling and information-seeking, forms of usage linked to lowered happiness and outrage. Prioritizing intentional social connection and limiting social media as a boredom cure could prove beneficial. 

Beyond tweaking one’s social media habits, expanding fulfillment offline merits consideration – several analyses indicate better well-being outcomes for activities like socializing in person, exercising, practicing mindfulness, reading print media, and engaging with nature. Society also plays a role in shaping technology for good – pushing platforms to reduce algorithmic outrage-mongering and incentivizing meaningful exchange over addictive usage and ad revenue.

As we determine social media’s place in society, users and regulators alike must thoughtfully examine its hazards and opportunities. Studies like this University of Toronto analysis can inform wise navigation of emerging technologies, highlighting the variability of impacts based on motivation and context. With conscientious implementation, perhaps social media platforms can enhance life’s journey.

(Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He was recognized as a Louisana Teacher of the Year semifinalist in 2020 and has been honored five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)