Scrolling into Numbness: A Correlational Study of Social Media Usage and Emotional Numbing

Abstract

The spread of social media has changed how people encounter, interpret, and respond to emotionally charged information. Features such as infinite scrolling, algorithmic feeds, and rapid content turnover expose users to a high volume of emotionally intense material in a short period of time. Although this digital environment can feel highly stimulating, it may also shape how individuals respond to emotions outside the screen. The present study examines the relationship between continuous social media scrolling and emotional numbing among users. Specifically, it explores whether prolonged exposure to fast-changing emotional content is connected with reduced emotional responsiveness in everyday offline situations. A quantitative survey-based design was used, with data collected on social media use patterns and self-reported emotional responsiveness. The study was designed to test whether greater continuous social media use is associated with higher emotional numbing and discuss the potential role of overstimulation as a driving factor. The findings are focus upon digital desensitization, emotional fatigue, and the impact of high-velocity scrolling on real-world emotional reactivity.

Keywords: emotional numbing, social media use, short-form content, emotional responsiveness, digital immersion, desensitization, overstimulation