Social media usage has skyrocketed, with over 4.5 billion people actively engaging on platforms globally. However, experts warn that excessive social media use can lead to unexpected health issues, including brittle nails. Constant typing and phone use can weaken the nail structure, leading to breakage and brittleness. Simple changes in your screen habits and proper nail care can significantly improve nail health.
According to the Repocket team, “Reducing screen time and adopting good nail hygiene can prevent damage and promote healthier nails.”
“Our nails serve as barometers of our overall health, and the constant scrolling, typing, and swiping on social media can put them under stress, leading to brittleness,” explains Repocket Software Engineer Jason Adler.
With the evolution of technology, social media has crept into our daily routines and, unknowingly, might create harmful conditions for our nails.
Five Consequences of Excessive Social Media Use
According to research from Intechopen and NailsMag, brittle or damaged nails are not caused by using certain products alone. Your constant social media usage and scrolling can be the main factor affecting your nail health—here’s how:
1. Mechanical Stress
According to a viral TikTok video, excessive typing and swiping, which are usual actions in social media use, can lead to mechanical stress on the nails. Over time, this repetitive stress can contribute to nail brittleness. This is backed by a study from ResearchGate suggesting that scrolling on your phone screen can also lead to finger or hand pain.
2. Dehydration
Studies from PressBooks link excessive screen time to reduced water intake. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that 58.5% of heavy internet users are occasional water drinkers. Nails, like skin, need hydration to maintain their health and durability.
3. Reduced Nutrition
ResearchGate found that heavy social media use can lead to unhealthy snacking habits. A deficient diet can contribute to lackluster nail health as they rely on a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, including biotin, for growth and strength, as per Healthline.
4. Impaired Blood Circulation
The static position during excessive social media usage may impair blood circulation to peripheral regions, including nails, and eventually affect their health.
5. Disturbed Sleep Patterns
A study from the National Sleep Foundation shows that 90% of people in the U.S. use electronic devices before bed, which may disturb sleep patterns. The lack of quality sleep alters the body’s reparative processes and may affect nail health.
Five Social Media Apps with the Most Impact on Nail Health
This app involves continuous scrolling and typing, thus exerting strain on nails.
Regular touchscreen use for exploring feeds and posting vivid visuals stresses the nails.
Snapchat
With the constant creation of Snaps and messages, the users’ nails are subjected to continuous tapping.
Heavy typing involved in tweeting and staying updated with trends adds pressure on the nails.
Extensive typing during professional chatting and updating statuses might contribute to nail damage.
Five Safety Tips to Limit Social Media Use
Establish Boundaries
Limit your screen time and be involved in activities that do not include technology, Adler suggests.
Maintain Hydration
Adler advises checking water intake to ensure nail health.
Balanced Diet
Include nutrients in your diet that promote nail health. Biotin-rich foods, like eggs, nuts, and grains, should be included in the diet, Adler recommends.
Regular Exercise
As per Adler’s advice, exercise regularly to boost blood circulation.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
Healthy sleep habits and rest periods are essential. Adler suggests maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting quality sleep.
Knowledge gathered from seemingly harmless habits like excessive social media use can impact personal health, particularly nail health, which is surprising. However, realizing that anything excessive is harmful in some way, even if it’s simply scrolling through social media, is essential.