Feeling cranky after scrolling all day? You’re not alone. A new study found that the more time adults spend on social media — especially posting — the more irritable they feel. And yeah, that includes TikTok, Insta, X, and Facebook. The link was clear: more screen time, more mood swings.
Even after factoring in anxiety and depression, social media still came out as a top irritability trigger. The worst? People who are online most of the day. It’s not just about doomscrolling either — political posts and constant posting were both linked to higher levels of frustration.
Bottom line: social media might be messing with your mood more than you think. If you’ve been snapping at people or feeling edgy for no reason, it could be time to take a break from the feed. Your brain (and your group chat) will thank you.
Szilágyi Mónika
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When Scrolling Started Messing With My Mood
A few weeks ago, I noticed I was getting irritated for no reason — snapping at friends, feeling tired, and just… off. It took me a while to realize what had changed: I was spending way more time on social media. Between checking stories, replying to DMs, and constantly scrolling through my feed, my brain never really got a break.
At first, I thought it was just stress, but then I read a study showing that the more time people spend on social media — especially posting — the more irritable they become. Even when anxiety and depression were taken into account, screen time still came out as a big factor. And honestly, it made sense.
After long scrolling sessions, I’d feel drained and weirdly frustrated. It wasn’t just the endless news or comparison posts — it was the constant stimulation. So I decided to take short “scroll breaks.” I started leaving my phone in another room for an hour, especially before bed.
The difference was huge. I felt calmer, more focused, and less reactive.
Sometimes, the best way to take care of your mental health isn’t to add something — it’s to step away from what’s quietly wearing you down.