March 22, 2016 – The more time young adults use social media, the more likely they are to be depressed, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Depression as forecasted on the said study could become the leading cause of disability in high-income countries by 2030. Social Media Platforms include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine and LinkedIn are channels that bridge people, culture, information, trends, news and so much more. But are we benefiting more from it as much as it’s making us miserable?
Dr. Brian Primack, director of Pitt’s Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health concluded that not all social media use is harmful. The answer perhaps is being probe in the style of interaction we get from these mediums. Do people tend to be more productive when using them? Do they become active and supportive rather than being passive or confrontational?
The study, which will be published on the April 1 issue of the journal Depression and Anxiety. poses a reflection for all internet users to maybe slow down and use social media in moderation.
