Scott and SadieRaise your hand if social media has ever made you want to hurl your phone into the abyss. A new study confirms what most of us already suspected: spending all day scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter (sorry, X) is directly linked to irritability and higher stress levels.
Researchers found that people who use social media excessively are more likely to feel cranky, overwhelmed, and generally on edge. Why? Because constantly comparing your life to a highlight reel of influencers, family vacation posts, and your ex’s perfect relationship can take a toll. Add in the barrage of doom-scrolling through news and ads for stuff you don’t need, and you’ve got a recipe for emotional burnout.
One of the key takeaways from the study is how social media rewires our brains to crave constant stimulation and approval. Those dopamine hits from likes and shares are addictive, but they come at a price. Once the buzz wears off, you’re left with anxiety and, apparently, a shorter fuse than usual.
This isn’t to say social media is all bad. It can connect us, inform us, and give us a laugh (or 12). But when you’re spending hours a day glued to your screen, even those cute cat videos aren’t enough to counteract the stress.
So, what’s the solution? Experts suggest setting time limits, engaging in offline activities, and, get this—turning off your phone occasionally. Yes, apparently the world keeps spinning even if you don’t check TikTok for three hours straight.
Your Turn: How’s Your Social Media Habit?
Are you one of those people glued to your phone all day, or have you mastered the art of moderation? Share your thoughts—and whether social media makes you irritable—in the comments.
(Yahoo)
