You don’t have to delete social media — 4 more healthy ways to use it that will reduce stress

New York Post - Mar 15th, 2025

New research from the University of British Columbia challenges the common notion that reducing social media usage is necessary for improving young people's mental health. Led by Dr. Amori Mikami, the study suggests that how young people engage with social media is crucial. By employing four strategies for mindful use, participants in the study were able to experience mental health benefits without completely abandoning social media platforms. These strategies include reflecting on positive versus harmful usage, acknowledging the curated nature of posts, unfollowing sources of negativity, and prioritizing active engagement over passive scrolling.

The study highlights the nuanced role social media plays in young people's lives. While excessive use can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, carefully curated interactions can offer social support and reduce feelings of loneliness. This research is significant in that it provides a realistic and sustainable approach for those who can't or don't want to quit social media entirely. It suggests that with mindful engagement, social media can become a tool for mental health support rather than a detractor, potentially breaking the cycle of quitting and returning that many experience.

Social Media Mental Health Young Adults University Of British Columbia Dr. Amori Mikami Mindful Engagement Social Media Strategies

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the findings of a study on social media and mental health, offering practical strategies for mindful engagement. It is well-written, with a clear structure and accessible language, making it easy for readers to understand the implications of the research. The article's reliance on credible sources, such as the University of British Columbia and Dr. Amori Mikami, lends authority to its claims. However, it could benefit from more detailed sourcing for certain statistics and a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and engagement. Overall, the article addresses a timely and relevant topic, providing valuable insights into digital well-being and mental health.

Accuracy

The article presents a well-supported claim about the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on a study by the University of British Columbia. It accurately reports the study's findings, such as the emphasis on changing engagement methods rather than reducing time spent on social media. The article correctly attributes statements to Dr. Amori Mikami and provides specific examples of the study's methodology and outcomes. However, some claims, like the average time US teens spend on social media and the lack of direct evidence linking social media to mental health issues, require further verification. The article could benefit from more precise sourcing for these statistics to enhance its accuracy.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by discussing both the potential negative and positive impacts of social media on mental health. It acknowledges the lack of concrete evidence directly linking social media to mental health issues while highlighting the study's focus on engagement strategies. However, the article leans slightly towards promoting the study's findings without exploring other perspectives or studies that might offer differing conclusions. Including viewpoints from other experts or contrasting studies could enhance the balance.

Clarity

The article is well-written and clearly structured, making it easy to follow. It effectively breaks down complex ideas, such as the strategies for mindful social media use, into understandable steps. The language is neutral and informative, with a logical flow from one section to the next. The clarity of the article helps readers comprehend the study's findings and the implications for social media use and mental health.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as a study from the University of British Columbia and quotes from Dr. Amori Mikami, a psychology professor. These sources lend authority to the claims made. However, the article references a Gallup poll without providing specific details about the poll's methodology or sample size, which slightly detracts from the overall source quality. More comprehensive attribution of sources, especially for statistical data, would strengthen the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the study's methodology, detailing the participant groups and their experiences. However, it lacks detailed information about the Gallup poll and other studies mentioned, which could provide readers with a clearer understanding of the evidence supporting the claims. Additionally, while the article quotes Dr. Mikami, it doesn't disclose any potential conflicts of interest or funding sources for the study, which could impact impartiality.