Scrolling through social media before bed could damage your mental health as much as drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis, researchers warn.
A study from the University of Bristol revealed that people who posted on X (formerly Twitter) after 11 p.m. had “significantly poorer” mental wellbeing.
Researchers believe late-night phone use reduces both the amount and quality of sleep, which is already known to negatively affect the brain.
The study found that nighttime posting explained about two percent of the variation in mental wellbeing among participants — an effect similar to that linked to binge drinking or cannabis use.
According to a YouGov poll, nine out of ten Britons check their phones within an hour before going to bed.
Calls for Curfews and Wind-Down Features
Lead author Daniel Joinson stated, “Our findings highlight the possible risks of posting online at night. Studies like ours could guide policies or app features designed to prevent harmful social media habits.”
The research, which analyzed data from 310 UK adults, compared the mental health of those who posted on X between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. with those who posted during the day.
Results showed that late-night users scored an average of four to eight points lower (on a 70-point scale) for mental wellbeing.
Writing in Scientific Reports, Joinson added that the findings support the idea of introducing curfews or “wind-down” settings in apps to discourage nighttime scrolling.
Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, the following organizations offer free, confidential help:
- Samaritans — www.samaritans.org, call 116 123
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Papyrus (for prevention of young suicide) — www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Shout (mental health text support) — www.giveusashout.org/get-help/, text 85258
- Mind — www.mind.org.uk, call 0300 123 3393 for information and guidance
- YoungMinds — www.youngminds.org.uk, free parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544
- Rethink Mental Illness — www.rethink.org, call 0300 5000 927 for advice on rights, benefits, and support
- Heads Together — www.headstogether.org.uk, a mental health initiative led by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
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