The more young adults use social media, the more likely they are to be depressed, a new study finds.
Scientists say the findings could guide clinical and public health interventions to tackle depression, which is forecast to become the leading cause of disability in high-income countries by 2030.
While previous studies have yielded mixed results, been limited by small or localized samples, and focused primarily on one specific platform, rather than the broad range often used by young adults, this was the first large, nationally representative study to examine associations between use of a broad range of outlets and depression.
“Because social media has become such an integrated component of human interaction, it is important for clinicians interacting with young adults to recognize the balance to be struck in encouraging potential positive use, while redirecting from problematic use,” says senior author Brian A. Primack, director of the Center for Research on Media, Technology, and Health at the University of Pittsburgh.
