Do you scroll and scowl?
Around 310 million Americans -- 91% of the population -- scroll compulsively through social media apps like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. For young adults, it eats up around 186 minutes a day. Even folks over age 65 are spending an average of 102 minutes daily -- and many spend more time than that. Then there's this statistic: Almost 20% of Americans -- about 51 million folks -- report that they feel depressed, a 9% increase in the past 10 years, according to a 2026 Gallup poll.
See where I am going? Excess social media scrolling is likely related to the increased risk of depression. A study in npj Mental Health Research confirms it. Researchers looked at 10 years' worth of surveys of folks ages 18 to 70 and found that 2.5 hours or more a day spent scrolling through social media is linked to depression. And social media use is a better predictor of depression than the amount of time you spend playing video games, surfing the web or watching TV.
Luckily, you can use self-care techniques to unhook from social media and ease depression. Getting 300 minutes of physical activity weekly makes you put down your phone and dispels stress. Upgrading nutrition to a healthy plant-based diet elevates mood, as does quality sleep. Building an offline social support network (your posse) is also a powerful protection from social media's negativity and depression.
Need more help to get started? Check out my article in Psychology Today, "7 Secrets to Hitting Your Reset Button," and my book, "YOU: The Owner's Manual, revised."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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