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As someone who follows tech and productivity news for work, I've noticed there are a few research conclusions that come up so regularly I am surprised scientists even bother to continue studying these subjects. That naps are good for productivity and humans are happier and healthier when they spend time in nature are two prime examples.

A recent blog post by computer science professor and author Cal Newport reminded me of another topic in this genre. How many studies exactly do people need to be convinced that social mediatends to make us miserable?

I've lost count of the number of columnsI've written about some study concluding social media use tends to make us anxious and depressed (not to mention a ton more offering anecdotal evidence). But if you found all that previous research unconvincing, Newport highlights yet another new paper using the gold standard of study design--a randomized controlled trial--to come to the same conclusion: If you use less social media, your brain will probably thank you.

A clear-as-day conclusion about mental health and social media

The problem with many previous studies on the mental health effects of social media is that almost all rely on correlation. Researchers look at the mental health of a big bunch of people who use a lot of social media and a big bunch of people who use less and compare them.

Studies like this can be bigger or smaller, more or less rigorous, but they all suffer from the same fundamental issue. Maybe people who use a ton of social media use it because they were anxious and depressed to start with. In that case, tons of time online is the symptom, not the cause of mental distress. Or maybe these groups differ in other hidden ways. Despite researchers' best efforts to tease out these issues, some questions always remain.

The new study highlighted by Newport and published recently in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking avoids these issues. Rather than observing existing social media behavior, the researchers took 154 study subjects and randomly assigned half to quit social media for a week and half to carry on as normal with their online habits.

Because the two groups are picked randomly, the only relevant difference between them should be whether they took a break from social media (the researchers checked screen usage stats to keep participants honest). This makes causation a lot clearer. If the quitters are more or less miserable after the social media-free week, then social media is pretty clearly the reason. That's why this is known as the gold standard of study design.

What did the researchers find? Here's the bottom line, according to Newport: "At the end of this week, the researchers found 'significant between-group differences'in well-being, depression, and anxiety, with the intervention group faring much better on all three metrics. These results held even after control for baseline scores, as well as age and gender."

He adds, "The researchers further found that they could obtain smaller, but still significant improvements in depression and anxiety by having users simply reduce the time they spend on Twitter and TikTok. The biggest effects, however, came from full abstention."

Will you change your behavior?

It's true this study only looks at short-term effects, but that caveat aside, it seems to offer about as clear a conclusion as you could possibly ask for. So how many studies do you need to see before you actually take action and adjust your habits accordingly?

If you're already convinced you need to dial back your social media use but are struggling to implement your intentions, both Newport and other researchers have offered detailed advice on how to find a healthier balance when it comes to social media.

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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Yet Another High-Quality Study Suggests You'd Be Happier If You Quit Social Media - Inc.

By Myra Mohiuddin May 23, 2022

Cindy Muoz/The Cougar

Although there are many interactive benefits that come with the usage of social media, it is addictive andshould be limited or monitored.

The usage of social media can be detrimental to adolescents mental health.

Five more minutes is a frequent and dangerous reminder teens propose to themselves to lessen the blow. More important tasks are acknowledged but ultimately disregarded.

Its important to recognize that there are both disadvantages and advantages that come along with using social media. There can be positivity found in that people can create or emulate ones true identity.

However, there can also be harmful effects such as distraction, lack of sleep, cyberbullying, exposure to rumors and the notion to compare oneself to another.

Teenagers are often influenced and motivated by their peers. The number of likes they have can be correlated to what a teenager might think their worth is.

When teenagers are comparing themselves to each other, it becomes difficult to steer clear of negativity.

While there is a possibility that the negativity is not because of the media itself, it has been proven that social media inspires things like anxiety, loneliness and depression.

Few can resist the temptation of using social media. It is unfortunate that the effects interactive media has on teens can often be more negative than positive.

Social media platforms are inherently designed by their respective companies to be addictive. Some even think that social media addiction should be treated in the same fashion as any harmful physical addiction like cigarettes and alcohol abuse.

Creating these unbreakable addictions is unforgivable because the harm they cause teens is objectively demeaning and exploitative. Moreover, social media companies should be perpetrated for their intentionally malicious and addictive purposes.

It goes further than a teenagers mental health. With the emergence of media becoming necessary to interact with peers and entertain oneself, social networking has made its way into peoples work life.

This issue penetrates beyond likes being viewed as currency. Platforms integrating into occupational life is easy because of their convenient and happening nature.

While there are several potentially positive impacts that come along with the usage of social media, social media is addictive and should be recognized as an alarming threat.

A broadened perspective would help understand the harm in the instant gratification that comes along with the hypnotizing scroll of dance routines at three in the morning.

Myra Mohiuddin is a freshman art major that can be reached at [emailprotected]

Tags: addiction, mental health, social media

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Social media is addictive and should be regulated - The Cougar - The Daily Cougar

DUBLIN, May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --The "Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q1 2022 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Social commerce industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow by 64.9% on annual basis to reach US$1,216.8 million in 2022.

The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 55.6% during 2022-2028. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$1,216.8 million in 2022 to reach US$16,293.7 million by 2028.

In Saudi Arabia, social media platforms are playing a decisive role in transforming society. Over the last four to eight quarters, social media in Saudi Arabia has become a powerhouse because of the growing number of social media users in the country. The global increase in social media amounts to 9.2% yearly, and the Kingdom is leading the race among other nations with significant annual growth of 8.7%.

With the smartphone and internet penetration rate growing significantly in the country, consumers are spending more of their time on social media platforms, and their association with such platforms is also growing in prominence. Due to this shift in consumer behavior, which has been partly driven by the global pandemic, retailers in the Kingdom are focusing more on online offerings and seamless shopping experiences for their customers in the country.

Among the various strategies opted by retailers to reach social buyers on social media platforms, some of the more common ones include asking consumers to vote for their favored products, sharing Reels and TikTok videos, offering personalized product recommendations, and in-app shopping.

Along with brands, social media platforms are also boosting their investment in the social commerce space to gain growing market share in the region. Over the next few quarters, the publisher expects the competition in the social commerce market to further intensify with the presence of innovative regional and global startups.

Social networking platforms are partnering with e-commerce providers to further penetrate into the Saudi social commerce market

In the midst of the growing popularity of shopping from social apps among consumers in Saudi Arabia, social media platforms are entering into strategic partnerships with e-commerce providers to further penetrate their presence in the industry and gain growing market share.

Regional social commerce startups are expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia

The social commerce market is evolving very rapidly in the Middle East, with several startups in the sector driving its growth. As the shopping method continues to grow in prominence among consumers, these startups are expanding rapidly to gain further market share in the region.

The presence of these global and regional social commerce firms in Saudi Arabia is expected to further intensify competition over the next four to eight quarters in the Kingdom. This will keep supporting the growth of the overall market from the short to medium-term perspective in the country.

Trademarks Law prohibits the selling of fake products on social media platforms in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the Trademarks Law prohibits anyone from displaying or selling products carrying a fake trademark. For violators, the Ministry of Commerce has announced punishment with imprisonment for a period of up to one year and a fine of SAR 1 million, or either of these.

In February 2022, the Ministry of Commerce arrested an individual after he was caught selling counterfeit brands on Snapchat. Moreover, the individual was selling fake women products on a famous account on Snapchat.

Apart from imprisonment and monetary penalty, anyone found violating the law is also subjected to defaming in the mass media and blocking on social media platforms in the country.

Scope

Saudi Arabia Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Segment, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2019-2028

Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour, 2021

Reasons to buy

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2uzvn6

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Saudi Arabia Social Commerce Market Intelligence Report 2022-2028: Social Networking Platforms are Partnering with e-Commerce Providers to Further...

We go about our day-to-day lives attached to our phones. They wake us up in the morning, and we check our emails and social media as soon as we open our eyes. We spend a big chunk of the day glued to a screen, be it a computer, laptop or phone. In fact, nearly half of smartphone users in the US say they can't imagine life without their phones.

According to a February 2021 survey, 46% of respondents said they spend an average of 5 to 6 hours a day on their phones for non-work-related use. Another study conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that, on average, Americans spend around 3 hours a day watching TV.

It's safe to say that we've become heavily dependent on our phones for pretty much everything. But, how is the use of technology affecting our mental health? And what can we do to offset that dependency?

Many have turned to digital detoxes as a way to disconnect from technology. Research links digital detoxes to the improvement of depression symptoms, among other mental health benefits. Ready to try a digital detox? Here's what you need to know.

A digital detox is when you completely abstain or intentionally reduce your time using electronic devices like smartphones, computers, TVs and tablets. The idea of a digital detox is to disconnect from the online world to focus more on the present moment without distractions. The most common things people avoid during a digital detox include:

Like a digital detox, a social media detox is when someone refrains from engaging with or using social media for a period of time or indefinitely to improve their mental health and well-being. It's one of the most popular forms of digital detox.

A quantitative study conducted on college students who underwent social media detoxes that lasted from one to seven days found that most students reported positive changes in mood, better productivity, improved sleep and reduced anxiety.

Another study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media to 30 minutes a day can significantly improve one's overall well-being.

There's no denying we benefit a lot from social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok keep us connected to friends and family while also serving as an outlet to find inspiring people. However, the constant comparison, fear of missing outand highly curated content we're exposed to on social media can come with some drawbacks.

A 2020 systematic review linked social media to detrimental effects on the mental health of its users. The same study found that those people's levels of anxiety and depression are affected by social media envy -- being envious of someone else's life as perceived on social media.

"Time spent scrolling through social media has the potential to promote unreasonable expectations as we see influencers posting an often filtered and edited version of their seemingly perfect lives. This can trigger feelings that others are having more fun or living better lives than you are, potentially causing a negative impact on your mental health. The increasing popularity of photo filters has also been linked to poor self-esteem and self-image as we manipulate our photos to change our reality online," says Myra Altman, who holds a PhD and is VP of Clinical Care at Modern Health.

There may be personal reasons to consider a digital detox. It could be that you feel like technology is a distraction, or you just need some time away from the stressors of the online world. Whatever the reason may be, you are sure to see many benefits from taking a break from technology.

Here are some of the most common benefits of a digital detox.

According to a recent study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, a social media break of just a week can reduce anxiety and depression. The same study found causal evidence that even short breaks from social media can positively impact a person's overall well-being, life satisfaction and emotions.

This one should come as no surprise. When we are free from distractions, we allow ourselves to be more present. Mindless scrolling on social media, checking notifications on your phone and feeling the urge to reply immediately to emails are time consumers. When we set aside distractions, we allow more time to focus on our responsibilities.

Disconnecting from electronic devices a few hours before going to sleep can significantly improve our quality of sleep. One study found that people who used social media before bed were more likely to have anxiety, insomnia and short sleep duration on weeknights.

Avoiding screen time before bed also reduces our exposure to blue light, which has been associated with disrupted sleep.

Think about the last time you were anywhere alone at the doctor's office, standing in line at the grocery store or waiting for your friend at a table in a restaurant. How much of that time was spent glued to your phone? The answer is probably a lot.

A small 2019 study found that smartphones alter the fabric of social interactions. In the experiment, a group of strangers was put in a waiting room with or without their phones. The study found that those who had their phones present were less likely to smile at someone compared to those without a phone.

Setting your phone aside can help you stay engaged with those around you.

Have you ever thought about how many times a day you pick up your phone to check your emails, respond to messages and check social media? According to a survey conducted by Asurion, a global tech care company, respondents checked their phones on average 96 times a day. To put that in perspective, that's once every 10 minutes.

"One reason to consider a social media detox is to regain authority in your life and time. Many people find themselves scrolling for hours a day and then feel unproductive, leading to anxiety and depression. A detox can help put a pause on social media consumption and allow you to regain interest in other hobbies that bring happiness. The detox can also allow you the time you need to be with those you love in real life," says Raghu Kiran Appasani, MD Psychiatry and Founder and CEO of The MINDS Foundation.

If you made your way to this page, chances are you are already considering a digital detox -- which is a sign itself that you might need a break from your electronic devices. The best way to know you need a digital detox is to check in with yourself and see how interacting with social media and technology makes you feel.

If you're ready for a digital detox challenge but aren't sure where to start, we got you. It's important to remember why you're detoxing from your digital devices in the first place. The goal is to create boundaries that ensure you're using technology in a way that benefits and works for you. Ultimately, you want to feel good about the time you are dedicating online.

A digital detox can be anything you want it to be. It can be refraining from using any type of technology, disconnecting from social media or just limiting daily screen time. The most important thing to keep in mind is that whatever you want to achieve has to be realistic. For example, if your work requires you to be in front of a computer all day, it may not be wise to set a goal that won't allow you access to your computer. Instead, you can opt to set screen time limits on your free time.

Sometimes disconnecting completely from electronic devices isn't possible, but setting boundaries is a great way to limit how much time we spend on electronic devices.

Here are some ideas of other times you can create limits for:

You've decided to do a digital detox, you put away your phone, now what? It's easy to give in to checking your phone if you are bored, so you'll want to fill in this extra time with things that make you feel good.

If you are having a hard time figuring out what to do with your extra time, here are some ideas.

It's easier to stay motivated when looking forward to something, so take this opportunity to celebrate your wins by rewarding yourself. It doesn't have to be something grand (though it can be if you want); it can be as simple as cooking your favorite meal or taking yourself out to the movies. Whatever you decide your reward should be, make sure it's something that excites you.

Some people will find it fairly easy to disconnect from digital devices, while others may find it more challenging. Luckily, there are some things you can do before you go off the grid to ensure that you have a successful digital detox.

Deciding to disconnect from the digital world can make you feel anxious or even scared of missing out on important things, and it's okay to feel that way. As the days go by, you'll start to feel better about yourself and have a deeper understanding of your relationship with technology. Take the time to enjoy being present and do things that bring you happiness.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Here's How A Digital Detox Will Benefit Your Mental Health - CNET

NEWARK Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that New Jersey has launched an investigation of social media platforms Discord and Twitch in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in Buffalo. The investigation seeks to determine if the platforms are violating state consumer protection laws by failing to moderate harmful content and enforce policies prohibiting violent extremism and hateful conduct.

The suspect in the May 14 attack reportedly used the social media platforms to plan and publicize the mass shooting, which authorities are calling a racially-motivated hate crime. The investigation will examine if lax content moderation and policy enforcement on the part of Discord and Twitch allow the platforms to serve as hubs for extremist and violent networking and community building, and as entry points for children to come into contact with extremist ideologies.

These social media platforms have enormous reach, especially with young people, and have shown themselves to be staging grounds for hateful and extremist content that may radicalize children and others, said Acting AG Platkin. New Jersey has a substantial interest in investigating how these companies moderate and prohibit content that may harm consumers. Under New Jersey law companies must deliver on their promises, and the persistence of violent extremism and hateful conduct on these platforms casts doubt on their purported content moderation and enforcement policies and practices.

We will use our authority under New Jerseys Consumer Fraud Act to protect our residents, said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Companies cannot advertise that they will do one thing, then do another. If these platforms represent that they will proactively moderate or prohibit violent extremism and hate, and then let it flourish unchecked with potentially harmful or even deadly consequences, it is unlawful.

The 18-year-old defendant in the attack, who is white, reportedly livestreamed the fatal shooting of 10 people at a supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood on Twitch, a streaming service popular with gamers. Prior to the attack, he reportedly detailedhis shooting plan on Discord, an online messaging platform where users may create invite-only chat groups.

Among other things, the investigation announced today is centered on the platforms content moderation practices and enforcement against individuals who violate them. The investigation also focuses on how those moderation polices are applied to minors and children under 13 who use the sites.

***

The mission of the Division of Consumer Affairs, within the Department of Law and Public Safety, is to protect the public from fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and professional misconduct in the sale of goods and services in New Jersey through education, advocacy, regulation, and enforcement. The Division pursues its mission through its 51 professional and occupational boards that oversee 720,000licensees in the state, its Regulated Business section that oversees 60,000 NJ registered businesses, as well as through its Office of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Securities, Charities Registration section, Office of Weights and Measures, and Legalized Games of Chance section.

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Acting AG Platkin: New Jersey Launches Investigation of Social Media Platforms Discord and Twitch in Wake of Buffalo Shooting - Atlantic Highlands...