New Study Reveals Link Between Social Media Use and Mental Health Issues

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed a link between social media use and mental health issues. The study, which was published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, surveyed more than 1,000 college-aged adults about their social media habits and their mental health. The results showed that those who reported spending more time on social media were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, those who reported using seven or more different platforms had three times the risk of developing depression or anxiety compared to those who used two or fewer platforms. The researchers also found that the type of content people viewed on social media could have an effect on their mental health. Those who reported viewing “highly idealized” content such as pictures of perfect bodies or lifestyles were significantly more likely to report higher levels of depression and anxiety than those who viewed less idealized content. The findings suggest that it is important for people to be mindful about how they use social media and what kind of content they are exposed to. It is also important for parents to monitor their children’s usage of social media as well as educate them about potential risks associated with excessive use. The authors concluded that further research is needed in order to better understand the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, but this study provides an important first step in understanding how our online habits can affect our wellbeing.