How Does Social Media Affect Teens Mental Health?

Teens that spend too much time on social media or watching television become notably more depressed, according to a new study.

The six-year study, published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, tracked over 3,800 students in Montreal, Canada. The students were asked to complete surveys during class to assess their screen time behaviors and symptoms of depression.

The result showed that for every additional hour adolescents spend on social media or watching television, the severity of their depressive symptoms increases.

Prior studies have linked social media and depression, but this is seemingly the first long-term to focus exclusively on teens.

The study had some limitations, such as not linking how much screen time could lead to suicide nor which types of social media and genres of television worsen the depressive symptoms, however, it did note that depression during adolescence has been linked to teens suicide.

The researchers noted in their study that adolescents time on social media and watching television should be regulated to prevent the development of depression.