Study Finds: You May Be Genetically Predisposed To Social Media
POSTED ON May 13, 2017 BY Kat Gal


Written by: Kat Gal
How much time do you spend on social media a day on average? Why do you think you are spending so much (or so little) time online?
You probably know that genetics can influence a lot in terms of your behavior and personality. Your creativity, analytical skills and temper can be partly passed down to you through genetics.
But do you think that genetics can determine how frequently you use social media?
You may be shaking your head, but researchers at Kent State University say it’s possible.
In a recent twin study survey, they have found that genetics actually outweighed environment in social media use. The team of scientists will be sharing their findings at the 67th Annual Conference of International Communication Association.
They have examined social media use in terms of genetic and environmental factors using the Defries-Fulker Regression analytical model. According to their research, one – to two-thirds of variance in social media use is related to genetic traits. For the remainder, environmental factors are responsible. Some of these environmental factors are shared, while others are unique to each participant.
Though this is not the first study suggesting that genetic traits can affect communication behaviors, this is the first one showing that they may influence social media use as well. These findings call for further research investigating genetics influencing communication behaviors, including social media and online communications.
It is important to note that this doesn’t mean that you have a ‘social media gene.’ It simply suggests that genetically inherited traits impact your personality, cognitive processing and behavior that can influence your communication and social media use.
Nonetheless, if you are spending too much time on social media and it is negatively affecting your non-online life, you should not blame your genes. You can actively reduce your time online. Set up an app that blocks you from using certain social media after a certain amount of time. Set a timer and stop when your time’s up. Go for a walk. Connect with nature. Connect with people in person by signing up for a class or joining a meetup group. Call a friend or meet for a green juice instead of posting on their wall.
Social media makes the world smaller and connects us all. It helps you find friends outside of your area, get inspired and be more informed. But don’t forget to live life outside of your online persona. You won’t regret it – life is waiting.
No juicer? No problem! Organifi Green Juice is a carefully selected blend of 11 different superfoods including turmeric, spirulina, lemon, mint, moringa and more. It was formulated for busy women and men who are looking for a way to super boost their health and support their lifestyle without spending a lot of time or money in the kitchen. Try it today!

Kat Gál is a holistic health writer who helps health, wellness, and nutrition businesses to market their products and services through quality online content. She is also a freelance writing mentor teaching wanna-be-freelancers how to make a living writing at freelancewriterschool.com. Reach out if you are looking for amazing blog content at katgalwriter@gmail.com or katgalwriter.com. Visit freelancewriterschool.com for freelance writing tips. Follow me on Instagram @freelancewriterschool and on Facebook at facebook.com/katgalwriter.
Latest posts by Kat Gal (see all)
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS