Depression and anxiety is linked with the use of social media, a new study from University of Glasgow says.
In their recently presented paper at The British Psychological Society (BPS) Developmental and Social Psychology Section Annual Conference in Manchester, United Kingdom, Dr. Heather Cleland Woods and Holly Scott from the University of Glasgow says that the pressure for teenagers to be connected via social media 24 hours a day may impact sleep quality and lead to anxiety and depression.
According to Medical News Today, 467 teenagers ages 11-17 were asked about their use of social media during the day and at night. They were asked questions that is linked to their emotional investment in social media such as "How many hours do you use social media on a typical day?" and "How long do you use social media after the time you intended to fall asleep?" In other tests, they were asked about the quality of their sleep, self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
The researchers found out that those who use social media frequently is significantly related to the teens decreased sleep quality, lower self-esteem and increased anxiety and depression in the study of participants. Expounding on the results, Dr. Woods said that "there is pressure to be available 24/7 and not responding to posts or texts immediately can increase anxiety. Also, [there is] anxiety around 'missing out.'"
It was also said by Dr. Woods that the teenage years can be a time of increased vulnerability to depression and anxiety, and if teens sleep less at night, it may contribute to a higher risk of the said mental conditions. She suggested the practice of having "digital sunset," in the families. This is to minimize the impending negative effects of social media use on sleep and feelings of well-being. "Turn off the devices and the blue light, stop checking emails and social media, and allow yourself time to finish your day," she said. "Sleep is important, so put your phone away."
The social media platforms the teenagers reported using included Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube.
