The Quiet Consequences of Scrolling: Conceptualizing Social Media Wellness

Abstract

This conceptual review investigates the emerging paradigm of Social Media Wellness (SMW) and its potential implications for family relationships. It synthesizes literature on digital engagement behaviors, psychological and social outcomes of excessive platform usage, and proposes a theoretical lens to understand how digital well-being aligns with familial cohesion. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, this review emphasizes how digital routines, emotional reliance on online interactions, and constant connectivity can affect the emotional climate of households. The review offers a framework for future empirical studies and highlights the importance of awareness among individuals, educators, and policymakers to ensure healthier digital-social integration.