Slashdot Mirror
Using Multiple Social Networks May Lead To Depression and Anxiety, Says Study (dailydot.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Daily Dot: The more social media you use, the higher the likelihood that you'll be anxious or depressed. At least according to the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health. In a study published online this month with more than 1,700 millennial adults, it found people who report using seven to 11 social media platforms had more than three times the risk of depression or anxiety than millennials who use zero to two platforms. The participants were asked about the most popular social media platforms in 2014, the year the study was conducted, which included Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine, and LinkedIn. Those who used more than seven platforms showed higher levels of depressive symptoms, even when researchers controlled for factors like race, gender, relationship status, household income, education, and total time spent on social media. Brian A. Primack, lead author of the study, notes that the correlation is not certain. He told PsyPost: "It may be that people who suffer from symptoms of depression or anxiety, or both, tend to subsequently use a broader range of social media outlets. For example, they may be searching out multiple avenues for a setting that feels comfortable and accepting. However, it could also be that trying to maintain a presence on multiple platforms may actually lead to depression and anxiety. More research will be needed to tease that apart."
>"it found people who report using seven to 11 social media platforms had more than three times the risk of depression or anxiety than millennials who use zero to two platforms"
Oooh, an opportunity for one of my favorite sayings...
Correlation does not imply causation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Perhaps people who are depressed and anxious seek out more social media.
I tried that, but they didn't appreciate ASCII art.
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When you are exposed to that much stupidity it is depressing. When you learn how stupid the majority of people are, it can be quite depressing. This is seen across the entire internet, not just social media.
I don't use "social media" but it is impossible not to be exposed to it everywhere online now. Sometimes I have to take a break from the internet (including slashdot) because the stupidity gets to me. When I was younger it used to make me very angry and depressed. Eventually I learned I can just "turn it off".
Learning when to tune out all the stupidity that abounds online has helped my mental stability a great deal.
Does Slashdot count as "social network?"
F5'ing the homepage waiting for the next story so I can read through questionable comments may contribute to my depression.
You know what? If there is one generation that is 'Me! Me!' it is the boomers. The generation that found a cure for limp dicks to be more important than not destroying the planet.
Mart (Gen-X)
"I know I will be modded down for this": where's the option '-1, Asking for it'?