Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Social Media Does Not Worsen Mental Health In Teenagers, Study Shows

A new British study has discovered that <span>social media</span> use or video gaming is not causing <span>mental health</span> problems in young <span>teenagers</span>. 

For decades, experts across industries have warned that time spent on social media platforms such as <span>TikTok</span>, Instagram or gaming platforms could be driving a rise in anxiety and depression among teenagers. 

However, researchers from the <span>University of Manchester</span> claim to have found little to no evidence over links of such claims. 

Lead author Dr <span>Qiqi Cheng</span> said: "We know families are worried, but our results do not support the idea that simply spending time on social media or gaming leads to mental health problems, the story is far more complex than that."

<h2>Who Did The Scientists Analyze?</h2>Published in the Journal Of Public Health, the study focused on the experiences of more than 25,000 pupils, both boys and girls. across <span>Greater Manchester</span> between the ages 11-14 over three school years as part of the #BeeWell program, which focuses on understanding and improving young people’s wellbeing.

The researchers tracked pupils’ self-reported social media habits, gaming frequency and emotional difficulties over three school years to find out whether technology use genuinely predicted later mental health difficulties.

The researchers found no proof that heavy social media use or more frequent gaming caused increases in symptoms of anxiety or depression over the following year - for both boys or girls.

Girls who gamed more often went on to spend slightly less time on social media the following yea  and boys who reported more emotional difficulties were more likely to cut back on gaming in the future.  This suggested links between losing interest in hobbies when feeling low or parents limiting screen time when they notice their child is struggling.

The research team also explored whether actively chatting on social media or just passively scrolling made a difference but results stayed the same

The authors emphasize that this does not mean online experiences are harmless. Hurtful messages, online pressures and extreme content can still impact wellbeing but they argue that focusing simply blaming screen time is not enough and more attention needs to be paid.

<h2>Why are Teenagers More Prone To Mental Health Issues?</h2>Experts say teenagers are more vulnerable to mental disorders due to significant brain development, increased sensitivity to social pressures, identity formation struggles, and heightened stress from academic/family expectations. 

Constant comparison on social media, cyberbullying and pressure to fit in online or offline significantly impact self-esteem and increase anxiety. Apart from this, exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty during these formative years is a major risk factor for developing mental illnesses like PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Additionally, some adolescents are also genetically more susceptible to mental health conditions, which can be triggered by environmental stressors.

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A new British study has discovered that social media use or video gaming is not causing mental health problems in young teenagers. For decades, experts across industries have warned that time spent on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or gaming platforms could be driving a rise in anxiety and depression among teenagers. However, researchers from the University of Manchester claim to have found little to no evidence over links of such claims. Lead author Dr Qiqi Cheng said: "We know families are worried, but our results do not support the idea that simply spending time on social media or gaming leads to mental health problems, the story is far more complex than that."Who Did The Scientists Analyze?Published in the Journal Of Public Health, the study focused on the experiences of more than 25,000 pupils, both boys and girls. across Greater Manchester between the ages 11-14 over three school years as part of the #BeeWell program, which focuses on understanding and improving young people’s wellbeing.The researchers tracked pupils’ self-reported social media habits, gaming frequency and emotional difficulties over three school years to find out whether technology use genuinely predicted later mental health difficulties.What Did They Find?The researchers found no proof that heavy social media use or more frequent gaming caused increases in symptoms of anxiety or depression over the following year - for both boys or girls.Girls who gamed more often went on to spend slightly less time on social media the following yea  and boys who reported more emotional difficulties were more likely to cut back on gaming in the future.  This suggested links between losing interest in hobbies when feeling low or parents limiting screen time when they notice their child is struggling.The research team also explored whether actively chatting on social media or just passively scrolling made a difference but results stayed the sameThe authors emphasize that this does not mean online experiences are harmless. Hurtful messages, online pressures and extreme content can still impact wellbeing but they argue that focusing simply blaming screen time is not enough and more attention needs to be paid.Why are Teenagers More Prone To Mental Health Issues?Experts say teenagers are more vulnerable to mental disorders due to significant brain development, increased sensitivity to social pressures, identity formation struggles, and heightened stress from academic/family expectations. Constant comparison on social media, cyberbullying and pressure to fit in online or offline significantly impact self-esteem and increase anxiety. Apart from this, exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty during these formative years is a major risk factor for developing mental illnesses like PTSD, depression and anxiety.Additionally, some adolescents are also genetically more susceptible to mental health conditions, which can be triggered by environmental stressors.