LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom — Nowadays, it seems like kids and teens are more likely to have a favorite streamer than a favorite TV show. They get a lot of their entertainment from creators on video game livestreaming platforms (VGLSPs) like Twitch, but those also contain advertisements, too. According to new research, unhealthy food and drink…

The post Forget TV ads, teens are getting hooked on junk food through Twitch streams by Shyla Cadogan, RD appeared first on Study Finds.

NEW YORK — Do you have an online secret nobody knows about? Nearly half of Gen Zers feel like they’re living a “double life” when it comes to their online and offline personas. A survey of 2,000 Americans, split evenly by generation, found that 46% of Gen Z respondents feel their personality online vastly differs…

The post Shocking survey: Nearly half of Gen Z live a ‘double life’ online by Chris Melore appeared first on Study Finds.

In case you needed another reason to take a long break from your daily doomscrolling… ADELAIDE, Australia — The advent of social media was a dream come true for individuals who simply love sharing photos, videos, and snippets of their daily lives with friends and family. New research, however, suggests that spending too much time…

The post Social media users are having nightmares — about not being able to log on by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

TRONDHEIM, Norway — Is social media really turning young people into antisocial zombies? A surprising new study finds that children and young adults who use these platforms the most are actually more active in the real world than others! It turns out that frequent social media users spend more time interacting with their friends and others…

The post Social media isn’t ruining kids’ social skills, surprising study debunks myth by Chris Melore appeared first on Study Finds.

ÖREBRO, Sweden — As teens navigate the complex social world of adolescence, the desire to be liked, admired, and popular among their peers can feel all-consuming. But could this quest for social status be coming at the cost of a good night’s sleep? A new study published in Frontiers in Sleep suggests that for some…

The post Not cool: Being popular can derail teens’ sleep habits by StudyFinds Editor appeared first on Study Finds.

In today's digital age, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become an integral part of our daily lives, particularly for young adults.

The post Wording matters: Social media posts shape how vulnerable people think about mental illness by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

NEW YORK — Despite being hailed as a decisive moment for digital privacy and international relations, under half of Americans are voicing their approval for the government’s controversial decision to ban TikTok, a new survey reveals. Although only 42 percent of respondents openly support the ban, the new poll of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker…

The post Divided we scroll: Only 42% support U.S. government’s TikTok ban by Patrisha Antonaros appeared first on Study Finds.

CHICAGO — Today, social media platforms like TikTok are a big part of life for millions of people. Social media not only provides a few laughs, but it also gives users information on just about anything they can think of. Health information is at the top of this list, but is that a good or…

The post Concerning number of unqualified health influencers discovered on TikTok by Shyla Cadogan, RD appeared first on Study Finds.

Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage, but do long-time spouses feel that way about one another years after saying “I do”? Whether or not one would still marry their spouse today is a thought-provoking question that indeed many have asked themselves, and this week, the question was posed to Reddit users…

The post Would you marry your spouse today? Reddit survey reveals uplifting, alarming insights by Steve Fink appeared first on Study Finds.

PORTSMOUTH, England — A new study from the University of Portsmouth highlights the concerning emergence of incel ideology on the social media video network TikTok. Incels, or “involuntary celibates,” are individuals, particularly men, who express extreme misogynistic views, often associating themselves with violent actions against women. Incidents tied to incels, such as the 2021 Plymouth shooting,…

The post Incel ideology ‘thriving’ on TikTok: ‘Real danger to women,’ researchers warn by Matt Higgins appeared first on Study Finds.

It seems like it was just yesterday when social media influencers were claiming oatmeal was toxic and causing rising obesity rates. Now, influencers are downing an oat-and-lime juice concoction behind the bold claim that it’ll help you lose 40 pounds in two months. To make things more appealing, the drink is called “Oatzempic” as a…

The post Does ‘Oatzempic’ Really Work? Dietitian Breaks Down Tiktok’s Latest Weight Loss Fad by Shyla Cadogan, RD appeared first on Study Finds.

JOONDALUP, Australia — Posting pregnancy photos online can establish a digital identity for your child that may be exploited, data scientists in Australia warn. Experts indicate that once a child’s image appears online, they become susceptible to identity theft or unauthorized distribution of their images to third parties. Additionally, parents should carefully consider the content…

The post Posting Pregnancy Pics Online Could Endanger A Baby’s Identity Before They’re Born by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, N.J. — In the digital age, it’s easy for countless people to “overshare” on social media and everywhere else online. However, certain pieces of information can be dangerous to share, especially with strangers. The power of a single post cannot be underestimated, and an expert in the ways of the digital realm is…

The post 8 Things You Should Never Post Online, Digital Expert Reveals All by Chris Melore appeared first on Study Finds.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Finding one’s footing as a new mother is an incredibly hard task, but a new study is revealing how social media influencers project a potentially harmful image to their followers that becoming a new mom is fun, glamorous, and effortless. For new mothers attempting to navigate the actual challenges of parenthood, these…

The post Influencers Glamorizing Motherhood Are Making New Moms Miserable In Real Life, Study Explains by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

NEW YORK — As we inch closer to the 2024 elections, unease is growing among American voters — not about the candidates, but about artificial intelligence. A new poll reveals that nearly half of those voters believe AI-generated content will negatively impact the outcome of the presidential race in November (43%). The survey of 2,000…

The post Deepfake Elections? 43% Fear AI Will Derail 2024 Presidential Race by Patrisha Antonaros appeared first on Study Finds.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — We currently live in an era where diet trends constantly flood social media feeds. These “influencers” urge people to restrict, eliminate, and fast, which can be harmful to your health. However, a dietitian is advocating for a more balanced and flexible approach to nutrition. In her book, “Think Like A Dietitian,” Joyce…

The post Why Diet & Food Influencers Could Be Leading Followers Down Dangerous Path by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Hostile political arguments on social media seem to be as common as vacation photos these days. Could simply seeing all the anger and vitriol be changing how people view the political arena entirely? New research from the University of Michigan sheds light on a troubling trend: the rise of political anger and…

The post Toxic Political Attacks On Social Media Creating Nation Of Cynics by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

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,…

The post Using social media regularly linked to cosmetic surgery boom by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

“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 by The Conversation 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 by The Conversation 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.…

The post Lost in Translation? Emojis Misunderstood Across Age, Gender, & Culture by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Is the internet fueling a new wave of misogyny? by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Materialism On Social Media Driving Mental Health Crisis: ‘Stepping Stone To Unhappiness’ by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post 7 Benefits Of A Social Media Detox, According To Experts by Amy Chodroff appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Are your social media posts giving people the wrong impression about you? by Steve Fink appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Avoiding social media at work leads to greater job satisfaction, study reveals by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Quarter of Americans stressed ‘all the time’ — but cooking might be key to calm by Patrisha Antonaros appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Deepfake society: 74% of Americans can’t tell what’s real or fake online anymore by Patrisha Antonaros appeared first on Study Finds.

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 by The Conversation 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…

The post Social media influencers playing a role in polarizing the political landscape by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Social media is becoming the go-to place for young parents by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Kids who use social media more prone to making dangerous decisions by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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 by StudyFinds Staff 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…

The post Computer-generated TikTok ‘Jesus’ promises divine blessings — and a potential jackpot for its creator by The Conversation appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post ‘Love your body’: Positive words with fitness posts on social media erases body image issues by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Chlorophyll water trend is a waste of time — It’s not even actual chlorophyll by Shyla Cadogan, RD appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post TikTok is wrong, sea moss does not contain ’92 essential minerals’ by Shyla Cadogan, RD appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Social media linked to ‘excessive self-judgment’ and cosmetic surgeries among young women by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Using Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp did little to improve mental health during lockdowns by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Gynecologic cancer misinformation on TikTok endangering women’s health, study warns by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post ‘Momfluencer’ shame? Moms on social media 4 times more likely to feel like bad parents by Sophia Naughton appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Trauma is trendy: Therapist says Gen Z embraces sharing their pain on TikTok by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Average senior believes just 43% of the things they read on social media are true by Sophia Naughton appeared first on Study Finds.

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”…

The post Job seekers still face bias when posting about mental health on social media by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

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.…

The post Social media bots may be fueling earthquake conspiracy theories by StudyFinds Staff appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Boomer bias: Half of posts on TikTok about older adults spread ageist stereotypes by StudyFinds appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Credibility counts: Study reveals 2 distinct news environments on Facebook by John Anderer appeared first on Study Finds.

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…

The post Social media over sex? The sacrifices we’re willing to make to stay online by The Conversation appeared first on Study Finds.