Abstract
The pervasive integration of social media into daily life has significant implications for mental well-being, particularly among young adults. This study investigates the landscape of digital well-being interventions, specifically mindfulness-based applications (MBAs), accessible to or widely used by young adults in the UK. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research first conducted a content analysis of 25 prominent mindfulness-based apps, evaluating their features, adherence to mindfulness principles, and integration with digital well-being concepts. Subsequently, a survey of 320 young adults (aged 18-30) in the UK explored their perceptions of these apps' effectiveness in mitigating negative social media impacts, enhancing well-being, and identifying common challenges to sustained engagement. Findings from the content analysis revealed a diverse range of features, with varying degrees of alignment with established mindfulness frameworks and limited explicit integration with social media use mitigation strategies. The user perception survey indicated that while a majority of users reported perceived benefits in stress reduction, improved focus, and better sleep, challenges such as maintaining motivation, cost barriers, and privacy concerns were prevalent. This study highlights the potential of MBAs as digital well-being tools but underscores the need for more tailored, evidence-based, and user-friendly interventions that specifically address the unique pressures of social media use among young adults. The insights provided can inform app developers, educators, and policymakers in fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.
