Effects of Reduced and Altered Use of Social Networking Sites— A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate the effects of changes in both quantity and quality of use of social networking sites (SNS) on measures of anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, loneliness, problematic social media use, and present focused awareness. Method: Participants were randomly assigned to three different conditions: reducing SNS time to 30 minutes per day, using SNS passively; and a control condition. Results: The results indicated that both reduced and altered SNS use had significant positive effects on present focused awareness and reductions in problematic social media use. In addition, reduced SNS use led to reductions in symptoms of stress and depression, as well as increases in self-esteem. Discussion: The study provides experimental support for the hypothesis that reduced use of social networking sites leads to positive effects on measures of psychological well-being in young adults.