72 Hours Without Facebook

Experiment Summary

In the digital age, social media - especially Facebook - has evolved from a communication tool into an integral part of personal life and emotional experience. However, excessive use has been linked to heightened anxiety, FOMO, and psychological dependency, particularly among young people. In this context, the Z & Alpha Initiative conducted the study "72 Hours Without Facebook" to examine users' reactions and adaptability when temporarily disconnecting from the platform. The experiment involved 66 voluntary participants, primarily students and young adults. They were instructed to refrain from accessing Facebook for 72 consecutive hours, while the research team documented their compliance levels, emotional fluctuations, and coping strategies through daily surveys.

Key Findings

• Over 60% of participants broke the commitment at least once, often due to unconscious habits, communication needs, or work-related demands.
• Younger participants were the most likely to relapse, whereas professionals demonstrated stronger self-regulation.
• Common reactions included anxiety, restlessness, a sense of missing out (FOMO), and social disconnection.
• After 48 hours, most participants adapted and shifted toward positive activities such as reading, in-person socializing, or resting.

Analysis and Conclusion

The findings indicate that Facebook serves not only as a communication medium but also as an extension of users' digital self - a space where memories, identity, and social connections are stored and expressed. This deep attachment makes disconnection challenging, fostering dependency and negatively affecting emotions and focus in daily life. Nevertheless, the majority of participants reported a sense of relief and freedom after overcoming the initial discomfort. This suggests that short-term "digital breaks" may help users restore mental balance, mitigate negative effects of social media use, and enhance awareness of digital mindfulness in an era of constant connectivity.