A recent study published in the journal Communications Psychology by researchers at the University of Toronto has shed light on the negative impact of using X Has Negative Impact on Well-Being. The study revealed compelling insights into how engaging with this social media platform can affect users’ emotions, sense of belonging, and overall psychological state.
The findings of the study indicated that while some users reported a greater sense of belonging upon logging onto X, the immediate emotional consequences were concerning. Users experienced a drop in positive emotions like joy and an increase in negative feelings such as outrage, political polarization, and boredom. Notably, individuals who turned to X as a means of escaping their problems exhibited lower levels of well-being, increased anger, and unhappiness.
One of the key revelations from the study was the impact of different behaviors on X users’ well-being. For instance, scrolling through the feed, which is a common activity on the platform, was strongly associated with a decline in well-being. Additionally, the study highlighted that engaging with content on X did not lead to any positive effects on users’ well-being, emphasizing the platform’s overall negative influence.
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Victória Oldemburgo de Mello, a Ph.D. student at U of T Scarborough and one of the study’s co-authors, emphasized the importance of being intentional about social media use. She suggested that users should avoid turning to social media out of boredom or frustration, as these motives can exacerbate the negative impact on well-being.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between social media use, particularly on X, and individuals’ psychological well-being. By uncovering the detrimental effects of using X, the research underscores the need for a more mindful approach to engaging with social media platforms to safeguard mental health.
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Victória Oldemburgo de Mello (PhD student at U of T Scarborough and study co-author): “Even when some of the things people did made them feel like they belonged more, that didn’t translate into increased positive emotions.”
Victória Oldemburgo de Mello: “Imagine the magnitude of how you feel when you meet someone and you talk to them for a while… you get a little bit of a mood boost. Two-thirds of that magnitude is how bad you feel when you use X.”
