A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that deactivating Facebook and Instagram for four weeks led to small but statistically significant improvements in users' well-being. Participants reported increased life satisfaction, less time spent on social media (even after reactivation), and a slight reduction in anxiety and depression. While the effects were modest, they suggest that taking a break from these platforms can have a positive, albeit temporary, impact on mental health. The study also highlighted heterogeneity in the effects, with heavier users experiencing more pronounced benefits from deactivation.
In "The Year I Didn't Survive," Bess Stillman reflects on a year marked not by death, but by the profound emotional toll of multiple, overlapping hardships. A difficult pregnancy coincided with the loss of her father, forcing her to confront grief while navigating the physical and mental challenges of carrying and delivering a child. This period was further complicated by the pressures of work, financial strain, and a pervasive sense of isolation, leaving her feeling depleted and struggling to simply function. The essay explores the disconnect between outward appearances and internal struggles, highlighting how even seemingly "successful" periods can be defined by immense personal difficulty and the quiet battle for survival.
HN commenters largely focused on the author's experience with the US healthcare system. Several expressed sympathy and shared similar stories of navigating complex medical billing and insurance processes, echoing the author's frustration with opaque charges and difficulty getting clear answers. Some questioned the lack of itemized bills and discussed the challenges of advocating for oneself within the system. Others debated the role of government regulation and potential solutions, including single-payer healthcare. A few commenters also questioned the author's choices and approach, suggesting more proactive communication with providers or seeking second opinions could have helped. Some offered practical advice for navigating medical billing disputes.
Summary of Comments ( 327 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43748486
Hacker News users discussed the NBER study on Facebook/Instagram deactivation and its effect on subjective well-being. Several commenters questioned the study's methodology, particularly the self-selection bias of participants who volunteered to deactivate, suggesting they might already have pre-existing negative feelings towards social media. Others pointed out the small effect size and short duration of the study, questioning its long-term implications. The potential for social media addiction and withdrawal symptoms was also raised, with some users sharing personal anecdotes about their improved well-being after quitting social media. The financial incentives offered to participants were also scrutinized, with some suggesting it could have influenced their reported experiences. Several commenters discussed alternative research designs that might address the limitations of the study.
The Hacker News thread discussing the NBER paper "The Effects of Social Media on Mood, Consumption, and Activity" contains several insightful comments revolving around the study's methodology, implications, and personal experiences with social media.
Several commenters raise questions and concerns about the study's methodology. One points out the potential Hawthorne effect, suggesting participants might have altered their behavior knowing they were being observed. They also question the representativeness of the sample, given the compensation provided for deactivating accounts. Another commenter raises the issue of self-selection bias, arguing that those who volunteer to deactivate their accounts might already have pre-existing negative feelings towards social media, thus skewing the results. The limited duration of the study (four weeks) is also brought up as a potential limitation, with some arguing that longer-term effects might differ.
Some commenters discuss the implications of the study, suggesting social media companies might be incentivized to manipulate user engagement to maximize profits, even at the expense of user well-being. One commenter questions the broader societal impact of social media, particularly on younger generations.
Several commenters share personal anecdotes about their experiences with social media. Some report positive effects from reducing social media use, such as improved mood and increased productivity. Others mention feeling disconnected from friends and family after leaving social media, highlighting the social benefits these platforms can offer.
One particularly compelling comment thread discusses the different motivations for using social media, differentiating between active use (posting and interacting) and passive consumption (scrolling through feeds). The commenter argues that passive consumption might be more detrimental to well-being than active engagement.
Another interesting point raised is the potential for substitution effects. Commenters speculate that people who deactivate Facebook and Instagram might simply shift their time and attention to other online platforms, negating the positive effects observed in the study.
The discussion also touches upon the addictive nature of social media, with some commenters drawing parallels to gambling and other compulsive behaviors. They discuss the role of algorithms in reinforcing these addictive patterns.
Overall, the comments provide a nuanced perspective on the complex relationship between social media and well-being, highlighting the study's limitations while also offering valuable personal insights and raising important questions for further research.