Spending less time on Facebook can result in a positive change in a person's well-being

That’s according to an independent study on the effects of social media, which found that users are prone to ‘addiction, depression and political polarisation’ the more they use the social media platform.

The joint study, published on January 27 by New York University and Stanford and titled The Welfare Effects of Social Media, analysed the habits of Facebook users in the US running up to the 2018 midterm elections.

The report measured the willingness of 2,844 Facebook users, who used the platform for at least 15 minutes a day, to deactivate their account for four weeks.

The participants were randomly assigned to a group in order for the researchers to log their progress.
Using direct measurement techniques – including pre-experiment questionnaires about their daily routines, mental well-being, and political leanings – analysts discovered a range of outcomes.

The participants involved in the experiment reduced their online activity (including other social media sites) and increased their ‘offline’ activities such as watching TV alone and socialising with family and friends.

The study also pointed out how participants in the study showed a reduction in political polarisation and factual news knowledge. A large proportion of the subjects went on to reduce their Facebook use after the experiment finished.

The participants also showed that, on average, an extra hour a day of downtime was enjoyed.

Although the study showed that deactivating Facebook had a minor but positive effect of mood, it remained unclear whether heavy Facebook use worsened a person’s mental well-being.

It also remained unclear if people with mental health disorders were heavier users.

The report was financed by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation that finances impartial scientific research.

The study, which has not yet been scrutinised by a peer review, was criticised by Facebook.~

According to the New York Times, a pre-written statement from Facebook said: ‘This is one study of many on this topic, and it should be considered that way.’

Quoting the report, the statement claimed ‘Facebook produces large benefits for its users’ and ‘any discussion of social media’s downsides should not obscure the fact that it fulfils deep and widespread needs.’