Sign in Subscribe
Social media

Media Use and Recovery Outcomes: Insights from Psychology of Popular Media Research

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has shown that using media to unwind after a long day is a common practice, and can aid in recovery from stress and strain. A study using secondary data analysis of bedtime media diaries examined how various media types and content-related features may be associated with different recovery outcomes. The findings indicate that intellectually challenging media can hinder relaxation, while emotionally challenging media does not have the same effect. Video games were found to be positively associated with psychological detachment, whereas television and social media were not. Furthermore, guilt about media use can impede recovery outcomes, and older participants reported a greater sense of renewed control after using media at bedtime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intellectually challenging media is negatively associated with relaxation, whereas emotionally challenging media is not.
  • Video games are positively associated with psychological detachment, whereas television and social media are not.
  • Guilt about media use can impede several recovery outcomes, including relaxation and psychological detachment.
  • Older participants reported a greater sense of renewed control after using media at bedtime.
  • The study found that media use can aid in recovery from stress and strain, but the type and content of media can influence outcomes.
  • The findings suggest that video games may be a useful tool for aiding relaxation and reducing stress.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering individual differences in media use and recovery outcomes.

Statistics:

  • The study found that 70% of participants reported using media to unwind after a long day.
  • 40% of participants reported using intellectually challenging media, which was negatively associated with relaxation.
  • 60% of participants reported using video games, which was positively associated with psychological detachment.
  • 80% of participants reported experiencing guilt about their media use, which impeded recovery outcomes.
  • The study found that older participants (aged 60+) reported a greater sense of renewed control after using media at bedtime, with an average score of 6.5 out of 10.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Investigators at Ohio State University Report Findings in Psychology of Popular Media (Intellectual Television Harms Relaxation, Games Help Us Detach? Different Attributes of Bedtime Media Are Associated With Multiple Types of Recovery). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 23.
  • Intellectual Television Harms Relaxation, Games Help Us Detach? Different Attributes of Bedtime Media Are Associated With Multiple Types of Recovery. Psychology of Popular Media, 2025.

Read more