The impact of advanced technology and social media platforms on lifestyle medicine: a narrative review

The digital revolution-including smartphones, wearable devices, mobile applications, and online platforms- has fundamentally transformed modern human lifestyle and health behaviors. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the positive and negative impacts of social media and smart technologies on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, stress management, substance use, restorative sleep, and social connection. We conducted a narrative review of English-language, peer-reviewed literature from 2010 to 2025. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, supplemented by Google Scholar and reference-list screening. Across pillars, (SMAT) can enable self-monitoring, goal-setting, personalized feedback, and remote coaching. Evidence is strongest for physical activity and dietary self-management, particularly when interventions include behaviour change techniques (e.g., prompts, gamification, and social support) and clinician input. Digital mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral programs show modest reductions in perceived stress and improvements in sleep outcomes in selected populations. However, excessive screen time and evening device use are consistently associated with poorer sleep, digital fatigue, and reduced wellbeing. Social platforms can enhance peer support and accountability, but can also amplify misinformation, unhealthy comparison, and exposure to marketing or norms that promote risky substance use. Healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers should promote evidence-based and balanced SMAT use by assessing digital health literacy, guiding purposeful engagement, monitoring for harms such as sleep disruption and anxiety, and addressing inequities in access. Hybrid models that combine digital tools with counseling, education, and family- or community-based support appear most promising for sustained behavior change. Regulatory oversight, app validation, data privacy protections, and long-term research in diverse populations are essential to ensure safe, effective, and equitable implementation.