Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sep 16, 2024Narra J

Mental health changes linked to taking a break from social media: A review and combined analysis

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Abstract

interventions are associated with a significant reduction in depression, showing a standardized mean difference of -0.29.

Digital detox may help alleviate depressive symptoms, as indicated by the systematic analysis of 10 studies.
No significant effects were found on life satisfaction, stress, or overall mental well-being.
Life satisfaction showed a standardized mean difference of 0.20, indicating no clear benefit from digital detox.
Stress reduction was not statistically significant, with a standardized mean difference of -0.31.
Overall mental well-being was also unaffected by digital detox, with a standardized mean difference of 0.04.
The findings suggest that the impact of digital detox on mental health is selective and varies by specific outcomes.

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The impact of social media has been significant on various aspects of life, particularly mental health. Growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media use have prompted the exploration of experimental interventions, defined as interventions. However, it remains unclear whether digital detox interventions are effective for mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of digital detox interventions on various mental health outcomes, including depression, life satisfaction, stress, and mental well-being. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in online databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, within the publication range of 2013 and 2023. A total of 2578 titles and abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, while statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1. Our data indicated a significant effect of digital detox in mitigating depression with the standardized mean difference (SMD: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.51, -0.07,=0.01). No statistically significant effects were discerned in terms of life satisfaction (SMD: 0.20; 95%CI: -0.12, 0.52,=0.23), stress (SMD: -0.31; 95%CI: -0.83, 0.21,=0.24), and overall mental well-being (SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.54, 0.62,=0.90). These data underscore the nuanced and selective influence of digital detox on distinct facets of mental health. In conclusion, digital detox interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting that intentional reduction or cessation of digital engagement may help alleviate contributing factors. However, no statistically significant effects were observed in mental well-being, life satisfaction, and stress. This discrepancy may be due to the complex nature of these constructs, involving various factors beyond the scope of digital detox interventions. p p p p

Key numbers

0.29

Decrease in Depression Symptoms

Standardized mean difference (SMD) for depression outcomes.

0.20

No Significant Change in Life Satisfaction

Standardized mean difference (SMD) for life satisfaction outcomes.

0.31

No Significant Change in Stress Levels

Standardized mean difference (SMD) for stress outcomes.

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Abstract

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