If you’re in the habit of scrolling through social media late at night, it could be taking a serious toll on your mental health, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol.
The study revealed that individuals who use social media during late-night hours are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who use it during the day.
Researchers explained that while previous studies have explored the link between excessive social media use and mental health issues, this study specifically focused on the timing of usage and its effects on psychological well-being.
Using long-term data from individuals born in the 1990s, the researchers analyzed the social media activity of 310 participants, noting the times they used X (formerly Twitter) and correlating that with responses from mental health questionnaires.
More than 18,000 posts and reposts made between January 2008 and February 2023 were reviewed.
The findings showed that people who posted between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. had poorer mental health compared to those active during the day.
While the connection between late-night social media use and anxiety or depression was described as moderate, researchers said the evidence that nighttime usage negatively affects mental well-being was “strong and consistent.”
They explained that using social media late at night disrupts sleep patterns — both because of the alertness caused by online engagement and due to the blue light emitted by screens, which interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
According to the researchers, quality sleep plays a key role in maintaining mental health, and nighttime screen use may undermine that benefit.
They concluded that the study highlights the potential mental health risks of using social media during late-night hours.
