A 1-Week Social Media Detox Reduces Symptoms of Depression by 25%

Doomscroll, Much?: For many of us, social media is the first thing we check in the morning and the last thing we see at night. You may not think that endless scrolling has any effect, but it’s increasingly linked to stress, anxiety, and low mood. A growing body of evidence suggests a simple reset holds a lot of power.

The Study: Research published in JAMA Network Open in November found that taking just one week off social media led to meaningful improvements in mental health. Participants who paused platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X saw a roughly 25% reduction in depressive symptoms, along with improvements in anxiety and overall well-being. Notably, benefits appeared within days and didn’t require a total digital detox, just a break from social feeds.

The Takeaway: A short detox can interrupt bad habits, like doomscrolling, that quietly drain mental energy. Even a short pause can create space for better sleep, more focus, and less comparison.

Keep In Mind: Experts caution that deleting social apps isn’t a cure-all. Replacing scrolling with restorative activities like movement, social connection, and creative hobbies is important. And if you’re really struggling with your mental health, professional care is best.