A recent survey highlights concerning trends among young adults and social media use.
- Gen-Z spends over two hours daily on apps like TikTok and Instagram, marking a 7% increase.
- Doomscrolling and excessive screen time before bed impair sleep and mental health.
- Workplaces are urged to address social media’s impact on productivity and wellbeing.
- Employers can take steps to mitigate negative effects through policies and support.
Nuffield Health’s survey involving 8,000 UK adults reveals a significant increase in social media usage among the younger workforce, particularly those aged 16-24. This demographic now spends over two hours daily on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, indicating a 7% rise from the previous year. This level of engagement is four times the amount recommended for optimal wellbeing.
Social media serves multiple purposes, including entertainment and social connection. However, the survey indicates that 71% of young users primarily utilise these platforms for news consumption. The term ‘doomscrolling’ emerged during the pandemic, describing the incessant scrolling through distressing news content, predominantly via mobile devices. This behaviour, coupled with the fact that most individuals check their phones within an hour before sleeping, has been linked to sleep disturbances, diminishing both physical and mental health.
Notably, nearly a quarter of respondents identified screen time as a key barrier to achieving restful sleep. Moreover, 44.44% of young people reported that social media adversely affected their mental and physical health in the last year. The detrimental effect of poor sleep on mental health is well-documented, with inadequate rest heightening stress reactivity and emotional sensitivity. This can lead to increased workplace absenteeism and hinder productivity.
Lisa Gunn, leading mental health prevention at Nuffield Health, suggests that businesses should take an active role in addressing these issues. She advocates for recognising unhealthy social media habits, such as constant phone use for procrastination or communication, frequent photo-taking, and monitoring of social media metrics like likes and shares.
Employers are encouraged to implement internet and social media policies to curb excessive use during work hours, thus protecting both corporate interests and employee productivity. These guidelines should be clearly communicated and enforced.
Furthermore, employers should motivate lifestyle changes outside of work to amplify the benefits of workplace wellness programmes. Encouraging employees to disconnect from social media and engage in physical activities or workshops focused on improving sleep hygiene can be effective strategies.
Additionally, offering support through services such as cognitive behavioural therapy or employee assistance programs can provide vital resources for those impacted by the negative consequences of social media use.
Addressing the challenges posed by increased social media use requires a combined effort from both employers and young individuals to promote healthier habits.
