Research Warns Against Link Between Social Media Use and Depression

(Newswire.net — October 6, 2021) Orlando, FL — Many people turn to different activities to boost mood, and these include the use of social media. While it is helpful, it appears that its increased use is rather harmful than beneficial. 

A study was carried out and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 

In this research, it has been found that increased use of social media among young adults significantly increased the odds of depression within six months.

This new national study was authored by Dr. Brian Primack, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions and professor of public health at the University of Arkansas.

In this research, there were participants who used less than 120 minutes of social media every day. It has been particularly found that young adults who utilized over 300 minutes a day were 2.8 times as likely to become depressed within six months. 

This was the first large, national study to demonstrate the association between social media use and depression over time.

“Most prior work in this area has left us with the chicken-and-egg question,” said Primack.  

“We know from other large studies that depression and social media users tend to go together, but it’s been hard to figure out which came first. This new study sheds light on these questions because high initial social media use led to increased rates of depression. However, initial depression did not lead to any change in social media use,” he added. 

There are some possible reasons why social media may be rather harmful than beneficial. The researchers say it could be that it emphasizes positive portrayals that could be difficult for people to measure up to.

The World Health Organization warns depression is the leading global cause of disability. 

Various research studies have looked into some remedies that could be helpful in enhancing mood. It is interesting to note that some nutrients like B vitamins could be potentially helpful. These nutrients have long been researched due to their strong medicinal benefits. Folate is one of these B vitamins found to help combat the mental health issue. 

There is a 33-day study involving 215 healthy men that revealed high-dose B vitamin supplementation helped in improving general mental health. There are actually many other studies showing that B vitamins could also work wonders in delivering disease-fighting benefits. 

To benefit from their antidepressant effects, it is wise to consider formulas like Divine Bounty B Vitamin Complex.

It contains Choline, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and vitamin B6. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07414752B)