The use of social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook has been associated with depression in adults, according to a study conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital. While previous studies have shown that social media use can lead to feelings of inferiority and depression in sensitive children and adolescents, this study reveals that even mentally healthy adults can be affected. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open, surveyed adults about their social media use and included questions from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to diagnose depression. At the beginning of the study, 5,395 participants had a PHQ-9 score of less than 5, indicating the absence of depressive symptoms. However, after some time, 482 participants (8.9%) had an increased PHQ-9 score, with the score rising more frequently among those who reported using Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok.
Psychiatrist Roy Perlis found an adjusted odds ratio of 1.39 for TikTok, 1.42 for Facebook, and 1.53 for Snapchat, indicating a higher likelihood of depression among users of these platforms. However, the study did not find any association between the use of Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube and depression. The association with Facebook was limited to adults under 35 years old, while Snapchat and TikTok seemed to promote depression more among older adults. It is important to note that the study cannot establish causality, and it is possible that adults with a pre-existing tendency towards depression may use social media more frequently.
The findings of this study highlight the potential negative impact of social media use on mental health, even among adults. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and to use social media in moderation. Mental health professionals can also play a role in educating their patients about the potential risks of excessive social media use and providing support for those who may be struggling with depression.
