Countless psychological studies show that social media like Facebook and sister media Instagram affect mental health.
Only for Facebook shows a three-year-old survey study from Harvard University, USA, that for example a one percent increase in status updates and likes of others’ content results in a decrease of between five and eight percent in perceived mental well-being.
On meta-analysis of 50 studies have shown, among other things, that the incidence of depression increases in people who:
- … spends a lot of time on social media
- … check their social media often
One of the most comprehensive the studies of its kind shows that the mood of 1,500 Americans increased slightly after they stopped using Facebook for a month. The effect was greatest among the youngest users.
About one in ten chose to continue using social media one month after the trial.
VIDEO: Facebook takes joy from everyday life
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