Final answer:
The answer to the question is that individuals with a four-week break from social media experienced decreased stress. This is supported by the studies cited, which link reduced social media usage with improvements in mental health, such as lower levels of loneliness, depression, and stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to how deactivating social media accounts for four weeks affects stress levels. Drawing from various research studies, there is evidence to suggest that the impact of stepping away from social media can lead to positive outcomes. For example, the study by Hunt et al. (2018) showed that limiting social media can decrease feelings of loneliness and depression. Additionally, van der Schurr et al. (2018) discuss the relationship between social media stress, use, and sleep, suggesting that there is a notable impact on wellbeing. Furthermore, a general sentiment among the public, as shown by Auxier, emphasizes that the effect of social media on society is seen as largely negative.
Considering these sources, the answer to the student's question is that individuals with four weeks without social media experienced decreased stress. This conclusion deduces that stepping back from intense connectivity and potential stressors like cyberbullying, addiction disorders, or the pressure to constantly update one's online presence can lead to an improved state of mental health.