Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Most of us feel depressed at some point of time. Depression has negative impact on both physical and mental health. Knowing the root cause of depression in a way act as a guide to avoid such circumstances and help us lead a happy and healthier life.
Researchers at the university of Pittsburgh has carried out a study in the direction to know the correlation between depression and social media usage. The outcome of the study revealed interesting aspects. They found that young adults who use more than seven to 11 social media accounts are three times more likely to suffer from depression compared to those who use zero to two social platforms.
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Reasons for depression
According to experts, trying to maintain the presence in multiple accounts leads to depression and anxiety. They attributed this to various reasons. Tha act of multitasking happens when switching between multiple accounts and is known to be related to poor cognitive and mental health
When the usage of a number of social platforms increases, we tend to ignore the distinct set of unwritten rules, cultural assumptions and peculiarity of social sites that in turn leads to negative mood and emotions. The researchers also cited that those suffering from mental disorders are are in search of accepting environments.
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Study carried out
The researchers of Pittsburgh carried out a survey that involved 1,787 US adults ages 19 through 32. They used depression assessment tool and a list of questions related to social media usage. The survey included questions about 7 to 11 popular social media platforms that were popular at that time. They include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine, and Linkedin.
Results of the study
After analysis of data, researchers found that participants who used more than 11 social media platforms reported 3.1 times higher levels of depressive symptoms than the participants who used zero to two social media platforms. Anxiety levels are 3.3 times higher in participants who use 7 to 11 platforms than their counterparts.
On an average, the participants used social sites for 61 minutes a day and visited various social media platforms 30 times per week.
Researchers perspective
Brian .A. Primack M.D., Ph.D., Director of CRMTH and assistant vice chancellor for health and society in university of Pittsburg schools of health sciences and lead author of the research said that people who suffer from depression and anxiety tend to use a broader range of social media platforms. He likely suggested clinicians to enquire the patients who approach them with anxiety and depression problems about the use of social media platforms and counsel them in the direction to make them realize that excess social media usage is root cause of the symptoms.
In addition to using multiple platforms, Primack also cites the time spent on these platforms also effects mental health. Researchers further asserted that social media sites fuel internet addiction a psychiatric condition that is closely associated with depression.
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