An experimental online study on the impact of negative social media comments on anxiety and mood
Authors: Y Ai, A von Mühlenen
Published: 2025
Publication: Scientific Reports, 2025 - nature.com
Negative social media comments significantly increase anxiety and decrease mood, with younger adults showing heightened sensitivity compared to older adults.
Methods: Participants shared blog posts on a simulated internet forum and were exposed to negative, neutral, or positive comments; mood and anxiety levels were measured using validated scales.
Key Findings: Impact of negative, neutral, and positive social media comments on anxiety and mood across adult participants.
Limitations: The study's use of a simulated forum may not fully capture real-world online environments, and the sample size may limit generalizability.
Institution: University of Warwick
Research Area: Social media, Mental Health,Behavioral Science
Discipline: Behavioral Science
Sample Size: 128 participants
Citations: 3