35,000 People Paid to Take a Digital Detox from Social Media
Would you accept $150 to take a six-week break from social media?
Stanford University in California ran one of the largest quantitative studies of its kind, paying 35,000 digital users $25 per week (up to six weeks) to deactivate their social media accounts. The study took place during the 2020 U.S. electionand amidst the global pandemic, with the goal of monitoring participants’ personal well-being (1).
The researchers published their findings in 2025. Here’s a snapshot of what they discovered:
6% of users reported increased emotional well-being (roughly 2,000 participants).
15% experienced a decrease in social anxiety, overall anxiousness, and mild forms of depression (approximately 5,000 participants).
Surprisingly, the detox not only improved emotional well-being but also led to behavioral changes. Feelings of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and boredom were replaced with activities like reading, spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, and feeling calmer, more present, and less reactive.
Young adults and teens saw the greatest improvements in personal well-being during the detox.
The Takeaway
Social media can be a powerful tool when used with intentionality. But even for followers of Jesus, it's important to recognize the spiritual symptoms of excessive digital consumption for entertainment or escapism. These may include:
Distraction from God
Exposure to digital temptations
Isolation from genuine community and relationships
A rise in selective religion and shallow spiritual engagement
In this digital age, it's not just about unplugging—it's about retraining our habits. We must learn to navigate information overload (or “infobesity”) and build digital discipleship practices that promote emotional, spiritual, and relational health.
Reflection Question:
What would your results be if you took a six-week digital detox from social media?
(1) https://www.newsweek.com/deactivating-facebook-instagram-mental-health-election-2065609
