A 2020 meta-study with 35,500 participants revealed the benefits of temporarily deactivating Facebook and Instagram on personal well-being. The study participants abstained from Facebook or Instagram for six weeks. As one of the most extensive controlled experiments on the subject, the results showed significant improvements in overall well-being, even though participants actively switched to other social media like Snapchat and TikTok.
Lisa D’amour, PhD, and Appstinence founder Gabriela Nguyen were interviewed by The New York Times Health Reporter Dani Blum on May 7, 2025, at the New York Times Well Festival. Dr. D’amour explained that while social media apps can connect you to new people and things, they can also disconnect you from the people in your immediate environment. If you are ignoring those around you, what is called “phubbing,” then it’s time to take a break from the device and its apps.
Gabriela pointed out that social media is becoming a social norm, but it’s still optional, and you should consider whether you want to be tethered to it for life. You might also consider the previous blog about social media and the Hook Model. Gabriela suggested exchanging your SMART device for the newer flip phones. Dr. D’amour suggests that if you are not ready to change devices, start by being deliberate about how much time you allot to social media, making it a routine. Perhaps, once you reconnect with the people around you in meaningful ways, you might reduce your allotted time even more or be ready to let go of your SMART devices altogether.