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A study published in Addicta, the internationally peer-reviewed journal of Turkish health organization Green Crescent, has found that uncontrolled and unlimited social media use can have adverse effects on mental health and cognitive functioning.
According to a statement from Green Crescent, the research was conducted with healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 65 in Turkey, none of whom had a history of psychiatric or neurological illness. The findings showed that as individuals lost control over their social media use, their mental processes became increasingly strained.
Analyzing data from 174 adult participants, the study observed significant declines in executive functions as problematic social media use increased. These included deterioration in planning and organizational skills, weakened impulse control, and greater difficulty with decision-making.
The study also identified meaningful links between heavy, uncontrolled social media use and elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Experts contributing to the study warned that using social media as a coping mechanism for stress, without setting clear boundaries, can lead to heightened anxiety and a further loss of self-control.
Mehmet Dinc, President of Green Crescent, commented on the findings, stressing that social media is ultimately just a tool and that what matters most is how it is used.
"Social media, when used correctly and in a balanced way, is a valuable communication platform," Dinc said. "But when control over time and content is lost, it can negatively affect mental processes, decision-making, and mental health. A person may turn to a screen to cope with stress, and without realizing it, end up experiencing even greater anxiety and loss of control."
Dinc emphasized the particular importance of building a culture of digital balance among young people, and highlighted the critical role of parents and educators in providing guidance.
Green Crescent runs both preventive and rehabilitative programs to combat internet and social media addiction across Turkey. Its network of Green Crescent Counseling Centers, offers free psychological counseling and rehabilitation support for internet-related addictions nationwide.
Specialists stress that developing a healthy relationship with the digital world requires early awareness and the setting of clear time and content boundaries, and that seeking professional support is an important step in achieving this.
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