Researchers at the University of Toronto have provided empirical evidence confirming the detrimental effects of using X (formerly Twitter) on our well-being. The study, published in Communications Psychology, highlights a range of adverse emotional impacts associated with the platform’s usage, including a drop in positive emotions like joy and an increase in outrage, political polarization, and boredom.
Analyzing the behavior of 252 users in the United States, the study revealed consistent findings across diverse demographics. Regardless of age, political affiliation, or ethnicity, participants experienced negative emotions after using X. Notably, those who turned to the platform as an escape from their problems reported lower overall well-being, heightened anger, and increased unhappiness.
Frequent X users exhibited feelings of boredom and loneliness, with scrolling through the feed emerging as the most common activity, consuming a significant portion of users’ time. Despite seeking social interaction or checking trending topics, users did not experience a significant improvement in their well-being.
Surprisingly, interactions with individuals holding different political views did not increase polarization, possibly due to the influence of “echo chambers” within the platform. However, retweeting behavior was linked to political polarization.
The study emphasizes the importance of being intentional about social media use, suggesting that passive consumption during moments of boredom or frustration can exacerbate negative emotions. While conducted before Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and subsequent changes, the findings underscore the need for users to carefully consider their motives and behaviors when engaging with social media platforms like X.
