Researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada examined how Elon Musk’s social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, can influence the mental state of users. The findings appeared in a scholarly piece published in Communication Psychology (CommPsy) and contribute to the broader discussion about social media effects on well being.
Despite not matching the reach of platforms such as TikTok, X holds sway over public discourse, particularly among leaders in entertainment, journalism, and politics. In 2022, access to X was restricted in Russia by the authorities, highlighting how policy and censorship shape what content reaches audiences.
To explore the psychological impact of using X, the study enrolled 252 participants who accessed the platform at least twice weekly. The data collection occurred over a four month window, beginning in early spring and concluding in early summer the following year.
Participants completed surveys five times a day for seven days, addressing the activities performed on the platform and the quality of their online experience. This approach provided a detailed view of how daily engagement with X correlates with mood and satisfaction levels.
Overall results indicated that regular X use tended to correlate with a dip in subjective well being for many users. Prolonged sessions were linked with boredom and a sense of loneliness, suggesting fatigue from continuous scrolling and content exposure. These patterns point to the potential for diminished daily happiness among heavy users of the service.
On the emotional dimension, the data showed a rise in polarized attitudes. Participants displayed a greater readiness to oppose groups whose views differed from their own. At the same time, exposure to content on X was associated with heightened anger among several users, underscoring the platform’s capacity to intensify negative affect in certain contexts.
Conversely, the study identified a positive effect: engagement. When users actively posted, commented, and participated in discussions, their sense of belonging within online communities increased. This suggests that interactive, participatory use may counterbalance some negative mood shifts by fostering social connectedness.
A key takeaway from the research is the potential link between X use and adverse outcomes for some individuals. The lead author noted the importance of recognizing these associations while also acknowledging that personal differences in susceptibility can shape the experience of using this platform.
Previous work in the field has explored how smartphone use relates to loneliness, highlighting a nuanced landscape where digital participation can both connect and isolate individuals depending on usage patterns, content exposure, and social context.