Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Roy N. Ramadhan; Derren D. Rampengan; Defin A. Yumnanisha; Sabrina BV. Setiono; Kevin C. Tjandra; Melissa V. Ariyanto; Bulat Idrisov; Maulana Empitu

doi:10.52225/narra.v4i2.786

Authors

Roy N. Ramadhan Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6100-9015
Derren D. Rampengan Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5482-0613
Defin A. Yumnanisha Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
Sabrina BV. Setiono Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2135-6821
Kevin C. Tjandra Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3821-8446
Melissa V. Ariyanto Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8145-3965
Bulat Idrisov Health Services Research Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Maulana Empitu Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Natural Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6448-7642

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52225/narra.v4i2.786

Keywords:

Digital detox, social media use, mental health, depression, effectiveness

Abstract

The impact of social media has been significant on various aspects of life, particularly mental health. Growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media use have prompted the exploration of experimental interventions, defined as digital detox interventions. However, it remains unclear whether digital detox interventions are effective for mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of digital detox interventions on various mental health outcomes, including depression, life satisfaction, stress, and mental well-being. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in online databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, within the publication range of 2013 and 2023. A total of 2578 titles and abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, while statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1. Our data indicated a significant effect of digital detox in mitigating depression with the standardized mean difference (SMD: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.51, -0.07, p=0.01). No statistically significant effects were discerned in terms of life satisfaction (SMD: 0.20; 95%CI: -0.12, 0.52, p=0.23), stress (SMD: -0.31; 95%CI: -0.83, 0.21, p=0.24), and overall mental well-being (SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.54, 0.62, p=0.90). These data underscore the nuanced and selective influence of digital detox on distinct facets of mental health. In conclusion, digital detox interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting that intentional reduction or cessation of digital engagement may help alleviate contributing factors. However, no statistically significant effects were observed in mental well-being, life satisfaction, and stress. This discrepancy may be due to the complex nature of these constructs, involving various factors beyond the scope of digital detox interventions.