Social Media Use Increases Risk of Depression 

Researchers have found that young people who use social media frequently are significantly more likely to develop depression, regardless of personality type.

There are many studies on depression. Its development is always associated with numerous factors, including heredity. However, the literature lacks information on the relationship between various personality characteristics, social media use and depression. The new work of scientists from the universities of Arkansas, Alabama and Oregon (USA) filled the gap in this issue. Their article was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.

The data was obtained from a 2018 national sample of 978 people aged 18 to 30. It turned out that people with a high level of compliance had a 49 percent lower risk of developing depression compared to those who had a low score on this parameter. The same was true for neuroticism: the higher its level, the greater the likelihood of depression. However, regardless of personality characteristics, social media use was still associated with an increased risk of depression at six months.

“The results of this study are important in times of expansion and integration of technology,” PhD student at the University of Arkansas Rene Merril. “Virtual communication with people can increase the risk of misunderstandings or misperceptions, leading to relationship difficulties and the potential risk of developing mental health problems.”