Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives.
While we often think of our mood or boredom as the reason we check our feeds, new research suggests our body’s inflammation might play a role.
What the Study Found
Researchers from the University at Buffalo discovered a surprising connection between inflammation and social media use.
Their studies, involving over 1,800 participants, found that people with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) – an indicator of inflammation in our body – were more likely to use social media.
But not just any use; they were more inclined to engage with others through direct messages or posting on pages rather than just watching entertaining videos.
David Lee, Ph.D., who led the study, remarked, “To our knowledge, this is the first evidence showing the role of the immune system as a potential antecedent to social media use.”
Inflammation and Our Need to Connect
Now, the connection between inflammation and reaching out on social media might sound odd. But there’s a logical explanation. When we’re sick or hurt, our body releases CRP, leading to feelings of sickness or fatigue.
Historically, humans are social creatures. Seeking out others when feeling unwell could be an age-old instinct, a way to get support and care. Today, in our digital age, this might translate to seeking connection online.
Lee explains, “Inflammation is typically followed by behaviors and symptoms associated with sickness that can help the body heal.” Hence, the increased inclination to connect with others on social platforms.
Implications and Next Steps
Understanding this link can be vital in guiding how people use social media. If we know that inflammation triggers a need to connect, we can direct people to seek meaningful interactions online.
However, there’s a potential downside. Lee points out that for some, this might become a cycle. Increased inflammation could lead to more social media use, which in turn could further increase inflammation.
The next steps for Lee and his team are to dive deeper into this connection. They’re keen to see how different groups, like teenagers or those with low self-esteem, might be influenced by inflammation in their social media habits.
As we understand more about the intricate ways our body impacts our behaviors, it paints a fuller picture of our relationship with technology and our health.
If you care about inflammation, please read studies about the big cause of inflammation in common bowel disease, and vitamin B may help fight COVID-19 and reduce inflammation.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about new way to halt excessive inflammation, and results showing foods that could cause inflammation,
The study was published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
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