Study links excessive social media use to higher depression risk
A new study finds that spending too much time on social media is associated with an increased likelihood of depression.
Key Takeaways
AIA recent study has found that excessive use of social media is linked to a higher risk of developing depression.
The research, conducted by teams at the University of Cincinnati and Northwestern University, analyzed hundreds of thousands of survey responses over an 11-year period, according to Sputnik, citing Medical Xpress.
The study concluded that the amount of time individuals spend on social media is one of the strongest indicators associated with depression.
Researchers observed the same pattern each year throughout the 11-year analysis, with the link becoming apparent among people who used social media for at least 150 minutes per day.
The researchers noted that while social media platforms originally aimed to connect users with people they know, they now focus on content produced by strangers. They also observed that some content creators themselves are compelled to take extended breaks from the internet due to the impact of heavy use on their mental health.