BOSTON — More people were inquiring about cosmetic surgery and other cosmetic treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, researchers from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have a potential explanation for this trend. Their study finds a link between hours spent on social media, as well as the use of photo-editing applications,…

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“Outrage culture” is pervasive in the digital age. It refers to our collective tendency to react, often with intense negativity, to developments around us.

The post Is Everyone Angry? Toxic ‘Outrage Culture’ Consuming Society Like Never Before appeared first on Study Finds.

Many people have compared the addictive nature of social media to cigarettes. Checking your likes, they say, is the new smoke break.

The post ‘It’s hijacking my brain’: Young people addicted to social media desperate for help appeared first on Study Finds.

NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom — Our interpretation of emojis varies significantly based on our gender, age, and cultural background, new research reveals. A collaborative effort between British and Chinese scientists is revealing how different demographics perceive emojis worldwide. Their study uncovered that even our geographical location plays a crucial role in our understanding of specific emojis.…

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OXFORD, United Kingdom — The internet is contributing to contemporary forms of misogyny, which are reversing the progress made in society’s treatment of women, new research contends. Linguist and researcher Deborah Cameron says despite significant legal advancements in women’s rights, women continue to face online abuse, including rape threats, which discourage them from taking on…

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BOCHUM, Germany — In the digital world of endless comparisons, a thought-provoking study by a team at Ruhr University Bochum reveals a startling truth: materialism on social media fuels stress and diminishes happiness. This research, conducted through an online survey of over 1,200 participants, highlights the unique way social media perpetuates materialistic attitudes and the…

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Remember when we had no clue how an app worked, we didn’t share our daily activities online, and our phones didn’t eat first? If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older, you have those memories, but admittedly, it is getting harder and harder to imagine a world without social media. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other…

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Social media posts may not be creating the impression that posters are hoping for, a new study explains. Researchers in New York discovered that social media updates, like adjusting Facebook statuses, often lack context and are seen in isolation, leading to misconceptions about the person posting. Study authors found that observers generally perceive…

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BOCHUM, Germany — For employees looking to get more out of their workday, it’s time to cut down on TikTok and Facebook. A study conducted by German researchers found spending less time on social media can significantly improve mental health, job satisfaction, and commitment in employees. The research highlights a simple and cost-effective approach to…

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NEW YORK — Seven in 10 Americans consider cooking and eating as the sixth “love language.” The poll of 2,000 adults who cook regularly reveals that 80% use food as a way to comfort themselves after a stressful day and 65% will use food as a way to comfort others. Ice cream was crowned as the…

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NEW YORK — Americans believe only 37 percent of the content they see on social media is “real,” or free of edits, filters, and Photoshop. Between AI and “deepfake” videos — a survey of 2,000 adults split evenly by generation reveals that almost three-quarters (74%) can’t even tell what’s real or fake anymore.  Americans are…

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Information warfare abounds, and everyone online has been drafted whether they know it or not. Disinformation is deliberately generated misleading content disseminated for selfish or malicious purposes. Unlike misinformation, which may be shared unwittingly or with good intentions, disinformation aims to foment distrust, destabilize institutions, discredit good intentions, defame opponents and delegitimize sources of knowledge such…

The post Disinformation rampant on social media – a social psychologist explains tactics used against you appeared first on Study Finds.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — It’s not just cable news that’s polarizing America. A study by Penn State researchers suggests that social media influencers might play a role in shaping the current political landscape. Researchers have crafted a model to understand how these influencers impact political parties, voters, and traditional media outlets, shedding light on how election…

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Eight in 10 parents are now seeking parenting guidance on social media platforms, a recent survey reveals. Researchers in Michigan say this trend underscores the growing reliance on these platforms as valuable resources for parents of young children, with 50 percent of the participants considering social media “very useful” for discovering…

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GLASGOW, Scotland — A new study highlights a concerning link between adolescents frequently using social media and risky decision-making that could put their lives in danger. With millions of young people scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other platforms on a daily basis, the effects of these platforms are far-reaching. Social media, a vibrant mix of…

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The ever-evolving landscape of social media has not only transformed the way we communicate but has also given rise to a deep sense of nostalgia and the desire to preserve our memories. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and University West in Sweden followed 11 active social media users over the course…

The post Social media nostalgia: 10 years of research finds people seek content that triggers memories appeared first on Study Finds.

The TikTok profile Daily Believer (@believerdaily) has 70 videos with computer-generated Jesuses looking directly at the viewer, beseeching them to stop scrolling and watch the next minute’s worth of content. All these Jesuses are long-haired and bearded, recalling artist Warner Sallman’s ubiquitous 1940 painting “Head of Christ.” Some wear the crown of thorns, some look…

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PULLMAN, Wash. — Fitness influencers on social media love to show off their sculpted bodies along with supposedly inspirational messages, mottos, and hashtags for their followers. Unfortunately, studies show that these posts often lead to self-loathing and body image issues among others who view them far more than they serve to motivate. Now, however, Washington State…

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ADELAIDE, Australia — Instagram influencers who post provocative images negatively impact the mood of other women and contribute to body dissatisfaction, a new study explains. Researchers at Flinders University in Australia discovered that exposure to sexualized content on Instagram by online influencers heightened negative emotions and body dissatisfaction in young adult women. Beyond fueling desires…

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The chlorophyll water trend may have started on TikTok, but it’s now taking all of social media by storm, with countless people drinking it as a wellness elixir. People have claimed it can detox your blood, clear up acne, and even prevent cancer. However, chlorophyll water isn’t even technically chlorophyll, so is any of this…

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Influencers all over TikTok have been taking a spoonful of sea moss daily because (allegedly) “it contains 92 minerals that our body needs.” Despite looking like slime and tasting like the ocean, people are gulping it down for all the supposed benefits — including weight loss. So, is it worth all the hype? What is…

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ADELAIDE, Australia — The influence of social media on young people’s self-perceptions and mental health has been the subject of many studies. Now, new research out of Australia is connecting regular use of such platforms by young women with a higher likelihood of considering cosmetic surgery. Young women who are often on social media also exhibit…

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DURHAM, United Kingdom — Social media obviously helped many people stay in touch with each other during the global lockdown, but did it actually make anyone feel better mentally? During the pandemic, digital communication platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp did little to mitigate feelings of anxiety and depression, a recent study reveals. Researchers found…

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Scientists are urging women to seek a second opinion that’s not on social media when it comes to gynecologic cancers. Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) warn cancer misinformation and incredibly inaccurate advice have become…

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NEW YORK — Are mothers being too hard on themselves? The average mom who feels like a “bad mom” today feels this way 156 times a year, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 moms looked at their experiences after having children, revealing that a third feel like they’re a “bad mom” at least…

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SMYRNA, Del. — An expert in treating stress and emotional damage says that sharing trauma with the entire world has become “trendy” on social media — mainly because Gen Z is the first generation not to feel ashamed of it. Meg Schnetzer, a trauma-trained somatic practitioner, works with people every day to help them overcome…

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New survey shows that while seniors aren’t spending as much time online as younger generations, they may be at higher risk of falling for online scams and predators. NEW YORK — It isn’t just for young people anymore — the average American 65 and older spends nearly 300 hours a year on social media, according…

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Employers, companies, and society in general are much more willing to openly discuss mental health matters these days than in decades past. However, researchers from North Carolina State University suggest that employers still can’t help but view job candidates who post about their personal mental health struggles on social media as “lesser than”…

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VIENNA, Austria — In the age of social media, conspiracy theories have found a fertile breeding ground, and even the topic of earthquakes is not immune to this trend. A recent study conducted by the IIASA Advancing Systems Analysis Program sheds light on how bots contribute to the spread of unfounded theories surrounding seismic events.…

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SINGAPORE — A new study reveals that half of all TikTok posts about baby boomers perpetuate ageist stereotypes. Moreover, researchers warn that this is only widening the hostile divide between younger and older generations. The predominantly teen and young adult user base of TikTok must not misrepresent older people, especially as the global population continues…

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Countless news stories and articles are posted and discussed on Facebook every day, but researchers in Ohio are shedding some much-needed light on some of the stark differences in the quality and credibility of this information people encounter while scrolling around on social media. Scientists at The Ohio State University analyzed 2.2 million…

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LONDON — Problematic social media use is a real phenomenon that researchers and health professionals believe may be just as harmful as other addictions. Now, a new study finds receiving therapy for this obsession will not only reduce someone’s dependence on screen time but may also rid them of depression. Study authors from University College London…

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Your alarm clock goes off, it’s time to start your day. What’s the first thing you do? What about right before you go to bed? If your answer is scrolling social media, you’re not alone. People are spending increasing amounts of time on social media, with reports from 2023 suggesting an average worldwide usage of…

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ROME, Italy — There’s an old saying that “controversy creates cash,” but new research out of Italy suggests controversy also creates social media clicks. Scientists at the Sapienza Università di Roma analyzed nearly 60 million Facebook posts in an effort to gauge how users’ interest in posts tend to evolve over time. Along the way…

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NEW YORK — Old age is a treasure chest filled with wisdom, waiting to be shared with those willing to listen. As older generations take to sharing their lives online, a quarter (25%) of seniors believe their life advice can go viral on social media, with a whopping 63 percent using these platforms daily. According…

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AMES, Iowa — Social media, like so much else in life, is best enjoyed in moderation. That’s the main finding of a team at Iowa State University, who focused on young adults and their mental health. When a group of college students limited their social media usage to just 30 minutes daily, participants scored significantly lower…

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BOLTON, United Kingdom — A terrified British mother is warning against cooking eggs in the microwave after the viral TikTok hack exploded and left her skin peeling from her face. Shafia Bashir says she’s been in “absolute agony” after attempting to make a poached egg using a popular recipe available online. Using the viral TikTok cooking…

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Being on social media has become synonymous with living in the 21st century. Year after year, we see new platforms and smarter algorithms roping us into highly addictive online worlds. Now, a growing number of people have noticed this trend and are actively making an effort to resist it. Anecdotally, a case can be made for…

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NEW YORK — TikTok has done more than provide endless entertainment — it’s brought the dimensions of data sharing and privacy into the international spotlight. Now, a new study shows that more than four in five (83%) Americans agree that the government should regulate the use of certain apps when it poses a threat to the…

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PHILADELPHIA — Plenty of posts on social media go viral, with people viewing, sharing, and commenting on them thousands of times. Far more posts, however, receive little to no engagement. So, what gives? Why are certain posts so much more palatable to the social media landscape than others? A new study finds the answer is all…

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Popular mukbang video host Zach Choi sits happily in front of a succulent bowl of black bean fire noodles that could feed a family of 12. He prances a plate of chicken nuggets across the screen, building towers of them next to his bowl. For 12 minutes, you can watch as Zach gorges – gorge being…

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PERTH, Australia — Both vaping and TikTok have been criticized for their negative impact on the health of minors. Now, a new study is linking the two together — finding that the overwhelming majority of TikTok videos featuring vaping products paints the controversial habit in a positive light. Specifically, a team from Curtin University says…

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QUEENSLAND, Australia — Since launching in 2005, YouTube has revolutionized the way people watch videos online. Offering users endless content on virtually any topic, there’s no denying YouTube’s convenience. Now, however, researchers from Griffith University suggest spending too much time on the platform can be detrimental to mental health. A team from the Australian Institute for…

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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE, Scotland — Facebook can be a breeding ground for misinformation. Now, the husband of one cancer patient is warning that the social media platform could be providing people with bogus treatments for the disease. Cancer patients are being bombarded with “miracle cures” on Facebook, ranging from salt water and sound videos to dangerous…

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LONDON — Millions of people are turning to TikTok and other social media platforms — not to finding entertaining videos, but for tips on how to save money on their energy bills! An analysis of the 50 most viewed hacks tagged “energy saving,” found clips about bleeding radiators gained the most traction, followed by only…

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Half of parents believe their children’s mental health has suffered due to social media use in the past 12 months, according to a new survey. The research indicates that concerns continue to grow regarding the impact of social media on the mental well-being of young people. The Harris Poll on behalf of…

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NEW YORK — The fear of missing out (FOMO) goes beyond just the social scene. According to a new survey, three in four Americans are experiencing FOODMO — the fear of missing out on new food trends. The poll of 2,000 Americans who use social media found 77 percent felt food-related FOMO and nearly as…

The post The Rise Of ‘FOODMO’: Fear Of Missing Out On Trendy Food Is Rampant On Social Media appeared first on Study Finds.

PHILADELPHIA — If you’re on social media, chances are you’ve come across a post that is full of misinformation. Whether it’s about politics, vaccines, or another issue, you might feel the temptation to argue with the poster and show them the errors of their ways. However, new research shows that debunking the misinformation might not…

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Parents share content of their children for myriad reasons, including to connect with friends and family, and to seek validation or support. However, some parents also do this for commercial gain. They manage their children as social media “kidfluencers” – allowing them to work with brands to market products to other children (and adults). The Australian…

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Prior to Silicon Valley Bank’s March 10, 2023, collapse, conversations on Twitter among investors about the bank spiked – helping fuel the SVB bank run. As we explain in our new working paper, “Social media as a bank run catalyst,” those tweets also destabilized other financial institutions with weak balance sheets. The number of tweets…

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