Social Media

New research finds young adults who are "night owls" are more prone to problematic smartphone and social media use. A study in PLOS One suggests this isn't just about sleep patterns but is strongly linked to underlying feelings of loneliness...

A large twin study suggests the weak associations between social media use and mental health may reflect shared genetic influences, not direct effects. The findings challenge alarmist narratives and point to the need for more personalized approaches to understanding online...

By analyzing thousands of Reddit posts with large language models, scientists discovered that hate speech communities resemble psychiatric disorder forums—particularly those linked to Cluster B traits—far more than control communities, highlighting possible overlaps between online hostility and clinical patterns of...

A study of nearly 3,000 Chinese adolescents suggests mobile phone dependence affects creativity in domain-specific ways. At low levels it predicts reduced scientific and artistic creativity, but after a threshold the negative link disappears for science and turns positive for...

A new study published in PNAS suggests that moments of political crisis can shift what goes viral. After the Trump assassination attempt and Biden’s campaign suspension, people engaged more with posts expressing unity than with posts attacking the other side.

Psychologists find that not everyone responds to partner phone use the same way. A daily diary study shows attachment-anxious individuals report stronger feelings of rejection and are more likely to retaliate when phubbed, underscoring how early relational patterns shape digital...

TikTok is flooded with misleading content about contraception, according to a new study. Most viral videos are not made by medical experts and often promote “natural” methods while casting doubt on hormonal options and professional medical advice.

Researchers exploring social media addiction in Türkiye found that boredom and manipulative personality traits were key contributors. While loneliness was not a significant factor, individuals high in Machiavellianism and sadism reported more addiction symptoms, especially when boredom in life was...

People who frequently experience unintentional mind wandering spend more time using their smartphones for social purposes, according to new research. The study also found that mindfulness may reduce this link by weakening the mental preoccupation with online content.

Posts expressing moral outrage were more likely to go viral but did not lead to more petition signatures, while posts using agentic, group identity, or prosocial language attracted more signatures despite receiving less online engagement.

People who frequently use short-video apps like TikTok may show reduced loss sensitivity and impulsive decision-making, according to a new neuroimaging study that links addictive use patterns to changes in brain activity during risky choices.

Scientists have found that belief polarization doesn’t always come from misinformation or social media bubbles. Instead, it often begins with a simple search. Our choice of words—and the algorithm’s response—can subtly seal us inside our own informational comfort zones.

Frequent use of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts is linked to disordered eating symptoms among teens, according to new research. The study found that body comparisons and dissatisfaction may help explain this troubling association—especially among girls.

Researchers have identified connections between obsessive thoughts about relationships, emotional closeness, and habits like social media addiction and striving for perfection. The findings highlight risk factors that can deepen doubt and tension in romantic connections, especially when conflict is present.

People who rely on social media to “stumble upon” news are more prone to spreading misinformation, according to a new longitudinal study.