Social media use linked to mental health risks including doomscrolling and fear of missing out

Research and expert commentary highlight how intensive social‑media use can undermine mental well‑being. A study of 143 students who limited Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to ten minutes per platform reported improved wellbeing after three weeks, underscoring concerns about the fear of missing out (FOMO) that drives constant checking of posts and stories.

Psychologists warn that "doomscrolling"—the compulsive consumption of negative news—exacerbates anxiety. Olivier Duris explains, "On nous montre ce que nous avons envie de voir pour que nous restions connectés," noting algorithms push distressing content, especially to vulnerable groups such as adolescents, people with disabilities, or existing mental‑health issues. The practice can even direct users toward self‑harm material, prompting experts like Vincent Joly to label it a "véritable question de santé publique." They advise diversifying information sources, parental engagement, and deliberately limiting screen time to mitigate these risks.