Social Media and Your Body: The Hidden Physiological Impact of Scrolling

Scrolling Through Social Media: The Unique Effect It Has on Your Body

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. In the UK, the average adult spends nearly two hours a day on social media, and for younger users, that number can rise to five hours. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have a magnetic pull, keeping users scrolling through their endless feeds for hours on end. But, have you ever wondered what this prolonged interaction with social media is doing to your body? It turns out that our body responds in a fascinating way when we scroll through social media, and understanding these effects can shed light on why it's so hard to tear ourselves away from these platforms.

A New Study Shows How Social Media Affects Your Body

A recent study examined the physical and emotional responses of young adults when using social media. Researchers asked 54 participants to scroll through their Instagram feeds on their phones for 15 minutes, as they typically would. To capture the physiological effects of social media use, the researchers attached electrodes to the participants’ chest and fingers to measure two key indicators: heart rate and skin conductance (a measure of sweating). These are known markers for emotional and psychological responses, providing insights into how deeply someone is engaged with a particular stimulus.

To compare these responses, the study included a control condition. Before using Instagram, the participants read a neutral news article on their phones. The aim was to see how these two activities—reading a news article and scrolling through Instagram—affected the body in different ways.

Results: A Slower Heart Rate and Increased Sweating

The results were intriguing. When the participants were scrolling through Instagram, their heart rates slowed down significantly, and their skin conductance increased—meaning they were sweating more. On the surface, these bodily responses might seem contradictory. A slower heart rate typically signals relaxation or calm, while increased sweating suggests excitement or stress. So, what was happening in the body during social media use?

These findings point to a psychological state known as cognitive absorption—a deep and focused engagement with something that holds personal significance. When we scroll through Instagram, we are not just passively consuming content; we’re emotionally invested in what we see. Whether it's catching up with friends, discovering trends, or watching viral videos, the content on social media resonates with us on a deeper level. This emotional involvement is reflected in the way our body responds—excited, yet deeply engrossed.

What’s particularly interesting is that the physiological responses were not caused by simply reading on a screen or being on the phone. The researchers had a control group where participants read a neutral news article, and in this condition, there was no significant change in heart rate or sweating. This confirms that social media itself—specifically platforms like Instagram—has a unique effect on the body.

The Impact of Logging Off: Increased Stress and Anxiety

The most surprising finding from the study came when the participants were asked to log off from Instagram and return to reading another news article. Instead of calming down after leaving the platform, their heart rate increased, and sweating intensified. In other words, the participants’ bodies didn’t immediately return to a relaxed state after exiting Instagram—they were still aroused, stressed, and anxious.

To understand this physiological response, the researchers also collected emotional ratings from participants before and after their social media session. Before logging off, many participants reported feelings of anxiety and stress. Some even admitted to experiencing cravings for social media, much like the withdrawal symptoms associated with substance addiction.

This reaction mirrors what happens in individuals with addiction when they experience withdrawal symptoms. In fact, these physiological and psychological responses are strikingly similar to those seen in people who quit substances "cold turkey." This led the researchers to wonder: could we be experiencing a form of withdrawal when we log off from social media?

Is Social Media Addictive?

This raises an important question—are these signs of addiction? Social media addiction, while a controversial concept, is becoming more commonly discussed in the research community. Though it’s not officially recognized as a mental health disorder, some people struggle with how much time they spend on social media, and this can impact their daily life, work, school, and relationships. The results of this study suggest that the bodily responses associated with social media use and withdrawal could resemble those of addiction.

However, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone who uses social media exhibits addictive behaviors. The study found that participants who scored high on measures of social media addiction didn’t show a significantly different physiological response compared to those who scored low on these measures. In other words, the body responded similarly to social media use for everyone in the study, regardless of their self-reported addiction symptoms.

What does this tell us? It suggests that social media, by design, offers powerful rewards that keep users engaged. Features like personalized content, endless scrolling, and the dopamine hit of likes and comments can certainly feel addictive, but this is not necessarily the same as a substance addiction. Social media taps into deep-seated human needs for connection, belonging, and validation.

The Social Element: Why Social Media is So Engaging

What sets social media apart from other types of digital engagement is its social aspect. Our previous research has shown that the most significant driving force behind social media use is the desire to connect with others. Humans are inherently social creatures, and social media platforms offer a way to fulfill this need for belonging and validation. Unlike substances like drugs, social media use can satisfy a psychological need for social interaction, even if it’s through virtual means.

In this context, some may argue that what we are experiencing is not so much a social media addiction but perhaps a "friendship addiction." We crave social connections and interaction, and platforms like Instagram allow us to fulfill this need almost instantly. However, we should approach the term "addiction" with caution. The risk of labeling normal behavior as pathological could create unnecessary stigma.

Balancing Social Media Use

So, are we all addicted to social media? Not necessarily. It’s important to recognize that, much like any tool, social media can be used in moderation. Our previous research suggests that taking breaks from social media doesn’t lead to drastic changes in our well-being, either positive or negative. Social media can be a fulfilling way to connect with others, but it’s essential to balance this with real-world interactions, which can help satisfy the same needs for connection and belonging.

In conclusion, social media has a unique and powerful effect on the body. It draws us in with its endless streams of content, leading to emotional and physiological responses that signal deep immersion and excitement. However, when we are forced to disconnect, the stress and anxiety we experience may suggest withdrawal-like symptoms. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that social media is addictive in the same way substances are, it does highlight the need for moderation and balance in our digital lives.