Social media use was found to be a more accurate predictor of depression than many common factors, including employment, education, watching television, playing video games, or time spent online. Researchers identified a consistent association between social media use and self-reported depressive symptoms, with the link emerging at around 2.5 hours of scrolling per day.
The study, published in npj Mental Health Research, analyzed data from 183,300 adults aged 18 to 70 collected as part of the annual Media Behaviors and Influence Study. The analysis covered 11 years, from 2014 to 2024.
The researchers used a machine-learning model to determine which factors were the strongest predictors of depression. They found that social media gradually became a more prominent predictor and eventually surpassed many other forms of digital activity, including television viewing and internet use.
The association was particularly pronounced among people who spent at least 150 minutes a day on social media. The same pattern was observed consistently across all 11 years included in the analysis.
The authors note that previous studies have largely focused on young people, specific population groups, or overall “screen time,” without distinguishing between social media and other types of digital activity. The new study made it possible to track the trend in a much larger sample of adults over an extended period.
The researchers also point to changes in the way people use social media. Initially, these platforms were primarily used to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances. Today, users spend a significant amount of time consuming content created by people they do not know. According to the authors, mechanisms designed to encourage endless scrolling may contribute to the habit of spending increasingly more time on social media.
At the same time, the study shows a correlation rather than a proven cause-and-effect relationship. In other words, it does not establish that social media itself causes depression. It is also possible that people experiencing depressive symptoms are more likely to spend time on social media. However, the persistence of the association over 11 years suggests that it deserves serious attention, the authors say.
The researchers recommend at least limiting time spent on social media by setting timers, disabling notifications, and logging out after use to reduce the temptation to return to the feed automatically.
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