Political lies have a pattern — and radical-right populist parties are leading the charge
Analyzing millions of tweets, researchers found that misinformation is strongly linked to radical-right populist parties—not populism in general or partisan politics alone.
Most TikTok fitspiration content promotes misinformation and unrealistic body ideals
TikTok’s popular fitness hashtags are flooded with idealized bodies, objectifying imagery, and questionable health advice, according to a recent study.
Brain rot and the crisis of deep thought in the age of social media
As attention spans shrink, storytelling — and truth — may be the greatest casualties of digital culture.
This common activity is linked to 59% higher odds of insomnia, study finds
Spending more time on screens after bedtime is associated with shorter sleep and a higher chance of insomnia, researchers report.
Teens in poverty use social media more—but don’t suffer more because of it, study suggests
Despite spending more time online, deprived adolescents aren't more negatively affected by social media use, according to a decade-long UK study of over 23,000 teenagers.
Social media may be trapping us in a cycle of loneliness, new study suggests
Social media use—active or passive—predicts a steady rise in loneliness, according to a decade-long study.
Hostility towards outsiders motivates engagement on social media
Polarization pays online. A new study shows posts about political opponents drive higher shares and reactions than positive posts about one’s own party.
Study identifies two psychological factors that predict digital dating abuse
Digital dating abuse is linked to intrasexual competitiveness and low agreeableness, suggesting that rivalry and personality traits shape how people control their romantic partners online.
Social media’s disturbing role in “delusion amplification” highlighted in new psychology research
A new systematic review examining over 2,500 studies has uncovered a troubling link between high social media use and psychiatric disorders that involve distortions of self-perception.
Why narcissists overuse social media—and how mindfulness can help
People with narcissistic traits often struggle with compulsive social media use, but why? A new study points to fear of missing out as a key factor—while also showing that mindfulness may help break the cycle.
Dopamine and social media: Why you can’t stop scrolling, according to neuroscience
Your brain loves social media—maybe too much. Every like, comment, and video activates dopamine, reinforcing compulsive scrolling.
Hostile tweets linked to upbringing and legal troubles, study finds
Researchers tracked Danish Twitter users and found that repeated criminal verdicts and privileged childhoods are connected to higher levels of online hostility.
Lack of TikTok self-control strongly predicts bedtime procrastination
A recent study published in Acta Psychologica examined the relationship between TikTok use and various aspects of well-being among young people.
Taking a break from your smartphone changes your brain, study finds
Even a short digital detox can have a real effect on your brain. Research shows that just three days away from your smartphone changes activity in brain regions related to impulses and rewards.
Want better focus and a happier mind? This simple smartphone change could be the answer
Feeling overwhelmed and distracted? New research reveals a potential solution: block mobile internet on your phone. The findings suggest it can boost your mood, sharpen focus, and improve mental well-being.
