Pressure for Social Media 24/7 Linked to Teen Anxiety & Depression
DISPATCH TIMES
BY ON
Teens who feel a round-the-clock compulsion to participate on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter may pay a price in lost sleep. It also resulted to higher anxiety and depression levels as well as lower self-esteem.
Night-time social media use was a “significant predictor” of poor sleep quality, even after taking anxiety, depression and self-esteem into account. “This means we have to think about how our kids use social media, in relation to time for switching off”. However, until the data and conclusions are published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the research should be considered preliminary.
Still, Cleland Woods stressed that the use of social media itself is not a negative activity.
In this recent study, researchers collected and analyzed information from 467 teenagers who were given questionnaires regarding their night-time specific social media use.
Sleep quality, self-esteem, anxiety, depression and the subjects’ emotional investment in social media were also measured.
The pressure to be constantly available and respond 24/7 on social media can cause depression, anxiety, and reduce sleep quality for teenagers, according to a new study.
Around 90 per cent of adolescents are estimated to have a presence on social media, and those who stay glued to gadgets well into the night are most at risk of developing emotional problems, the study found.
Scott Campbell, an associate professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan, made the point that teenage engagement with social media “is not all bad”.
This is perhaps easier said than done, especially for today’s young people, British Asians included, who rely on social media to stay connected to the world around them.
More and more researchers are analysing the correlation between using social media and the impact on our psychological and physical health. “And that’s not just for teens”.
In a separate study commissioned by the National Citizen’s Service youth program, it was found that most girls seek solace from social media when they are worried or anxious, rather than talking to their parents.
To better understand the reasons for the link between social media use and wellbeing, the team says further research is required.
