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Excessive Social Media Use Results in Brittle Nails: Expert
With the advancement of technology, social media has subtly become ingrained in our daily routines and, unwittingly, may be contributing to harmful conditions for our nails.
Software Engineer for Repocket, Jason Adler says “Our nails act as indicators of our overall health, and the constant scrolling, typing, and swiping on social media can stress them, leading to brittleness.”
According to several studies from Intechopen and NailsMag, brittle or damaged nails are not just caused by using certain products. Your constant social media use and scrolling could be the primary factor affecting your nail health—here’s five consequences of excessive Social Media use:
- Mechanical Stress: According to a viral TikTok video, frequent typing and swiping—common actions in social media usage—can subject nails to mechanical stress. Over time, this repetitive strain may lead to nail brittleness. This notion finds support in a study from ResearchGate, which suggests that scrolling on a phone screen can also induce finger or hand discomfort.
- Dehydration: Research from PressBooks links excessive screen time with decreased water intake. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine indicates that 58.5% of heavy internet users exhibit irregular water consumption habits. Just as skin requires adequate hydration to maintain health and resilience, so do nails.
- Reduced Nutrition: A study conducted by ResearchGate indicates that prolonged engagement with social media platforms can contribute to unhealthy snacking habits. This is significant because a diet lacking in essential nutrients can have negative implications for nail health. Nails depend on a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, for optimal growth and strength, as noted by Healthline.
- Impaired Blood Circulation: Extended periods of remaining stationary while engaging in excessive social media usage could hinder blood circulation to peripheral areas, such as the nails, potentially compromising their health.
- Disturbed Sleep Patterns: Research from the National Sleep Foundation suggests that 90% of individuals in the U.S. use electronic devices before bedtime, which could disrupt sleep patterns. Inadequate sleep quality may disrupt the body’s restorative processes and have repercussions on nail health.
