The impact of social media on teens has sparked global conversations. New studies, however, indicate that it’s not just teens who experience the consequences of use. It’s the entire human race.

New studies on the physiological effects of Instagram indicate that the platform takes its toll on the body.

The findings, published in Computers in Human Behavior, show physical responses akin to addiction.

During platform use, study participants exhibited decreased heart rates and increased skin conductance, signaling deep attentional immersion and heightened arousal.

When participants stopped using the platform, their heart rate and stress indicators spiked and they reported anxiety and social media cravings. The same indicators were found in both regular and problematic users, challenging the notion that such responses are exclusive to people with compulsive social media behaviors.

The study highlights neurophysiological impacts of social media interactions and the potential stress of disengagement.

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