About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Time Spent on Social Media may Not Affect Your Mental Health

by Bidita Debnath on November 5, 2017 at 12:02 AM
Time Spent on Social Media may Not Affect Your Mental Health

Social media use may not always affect mental health, shows a new research. The study got published in the journal Psychiatric Quarterly.

The increasing use of social media has always been associated with the deteriorating mental health of the young generation, but the study found no evidence supporting the view that the amount of time spent on social media increases mental health problems, such as loneliness, decreased empathy and social anxiety.

Advertisement


Instead, some people tend to use the media platform to encourage a moral panic -- a process whereby panic or fear is being created among the masses over an issue -- to create a situation of interest, said the researchers.

"We do not deny the potential for some online behaviours to be associated with mental health problems. But the research focuses on the behaviour of individuals rather than assuming social media to be the root cause of all socio-personal problems," explained Chloe Berryman, researcher at the University of Florida in the US.
Advertisement

The researchers surveyed youngsters by questioning them over their responses towards the media platforms, social relationships and whether they were mentally affected by some incidents.

The study found that the only concerned part was to do with vaguebooking or social media posts that contain little actual and clear information, but written in such a way as to solicit attention and concern from potential readers.

Young people who tended to often write such posts were found to be lonelier and had more suicidal thoughts than others.

"Vaguebooking was slightly predictive of suicidal ideation, suggesting this particular behaviour could be a warning sign for serious issues," said Berryman.

"It is therefore possible that some forms of social media use may function as a 'cry for help' among individuals with pre-existing mental health problems."

Source: IANS
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Mental Health News

Predicting PTSD Resilience Through Post Traumatic Brain Activity
Studying brain circuits tied to PTSD's progression from acute to chronic states is vital for grasping its pathophysiology and crafting targeted treatments.
High Depression Rates Among Canadian COPD Patients During COVID-19
Older adults with COPD were roughly twice as likely to develop depression if they faced functional limitations.
Comparing Suicide Risk and Depression Screenings for Identifying Patient Risk
In most scenarios, depression screening tools demonstrated superior performance compared to suicide risk screenings.
Do People With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Experience More Intrusive Thoughts?
Experts suggest that identifying the distinctive traits specific to obsessive-compulsive disorder can aid individuals in comprehending the mental health disorder.
Brainwave Pattern In EEG Helps Track Depression in Healthy Individuals
Electroencephalogram (EEG), which tracks the electrical activity in the brain, can help in the early identification and prevention of depression.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Time Spent on Social Media may Not Affect Your Mental Health Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests