How Meditation and Exercise Affect Social Media Use and Mental Health

This trial is testing whether two simple lifestyle changes can help college students use social media less and feel better mentally. You'll either try 15 minutes of daily guided meditation focused on gratitude and stress management, spend 30 minutes exercising instead of scrolling on social media, or continue your normal routine. Researchers will measure changes in your mood, anxiety, loneliness, and how much time you actually spend on social media.

Many college students spend hours on social media each day, which has been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. This study wants to find out if quick, realistic changes—like meditating or exercising—can help reduce screen time and improve mental health.