A study from George Mason University's College of Public Health has found that college students who spend extensive time on social media experience poorer sleep quality, which may negatively impact their self-rated health. Published in Public Health Reports, the research indicates that increased social media use early in the academic year predicts lower sleep quality six months later, leading to worse self-perceived health six months thereafter. This study is the first to suggest that sleep quality may mediate the relationship between social media use and self-rated health.
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Study lead author Akosua Mainoo points out that these findings show how students' early social media habits can have consequences beyond their immediate phone use. Researchers noted an unexpected outcome: while overall social media use was linked to poorer sleep, nighttime use did not exhibit the same correlation. This discrepancy highlights the mixed results of previous studies regarding nighttime social media engagement and sleep quality, suggesting that other factors like light exposure could play a role.
The research is part of the larger Mason: Health Starts Here initiative, a longitudinal study tracking health outcomes among students throughout their undergraduate years. Principal investigator Lawrence Cheskin emphasized the need to explore more about how social media habits influence students' health over time.
College students, who typically spend about five hours daily on social media, often report inadequate sleep, with a third having less than the recommended seven hours per night. Poor sleep over time can lead to various health issues, including depression, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This new study further investigates the potential connections between social media, sleep, and overall health.
Mainoo recommends that students evaluate their social media usage patterns to improve health outcomes. She suggests that while social media is integral to college life, being intentional about usage—such as setting time limits and creating phone-free environments—can be beneficial. Cheskin echoed this sentiment, noting that reducing social media use can allow for more meaningful face-to-face interactions.
The study analyzed data from 349 first-year students aged 18 to 24 who completed surveys in August 2019, February 2020, and August 2020. The researchers acknowledged some limitations, such as reliance on self-reported data and participant attrition, and called for further longitudinal studies to explore the effects of social media on health and sleep.