An unpublished study by analysts at the Norwegian College of Science and Innovation (NTNU) has challenged the common belief that social media is linked to depression in children and young people.
“Social Media Practices and Side Effects of Anxiety and Depression: A Longitudinal Four-Wave Observation from Ages 10–16” is indicated to explore the effects of platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok on young people’s mental health
Social Media’s Relationship to Uneasiness and Depression
Professor Silje Steinsbekk from NTNU’s Division of Brain Research started the inquiry. Contrary to widespread concern among guardians and gatekeepers, meditation found no significant association between extensive internet community use and improvements in anxiety and depression side effects among 10- to 16-year-olds.
A six-year follow-up of 800 children in Trondheim collected data over two long periods to track changes in indicators of mental well-being. Findings remain reliable across genders, regardless of whether members post content or are close to others’ posts.
The analysts also noted that there was no sign that those who experienced increased anxiety and distress indicators over time changed their social media practices. The investigation was also almost concerned with body image.
Earlier work by Steinsbekk’s group found that young women who liked and commented on others’ posts developed weaker body images over time, while boys were not involved in this effect.
In any case, posting on their social media accounts did not affect their self-esteem, regardless of gender. Despite these findings, Steinsbekk acknowledges that the internet community has both positive and negative aspects.
They believe that social media can provide a sense of community and place, encouraging connections with colleagues and family. Moreover, it can serve as a stage for social support, especially for young people who have few friends.
“Our thinking suggests that if Kari or Knut slowly like and post on Instagram or Snapchat, they are less likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression,” Steinsbekk said in a press release. In a statement, Steinsbekk stated:
“But it’s not cruel that they’re not experiencing negative encounters on social media or feeling dependent or inhibited. Some young people can be particularly vulnerable, and those are the people we need to recognize need.”
No Coordinate Connect to Social Media
Analysts emphasized the complexity of the relationship between social media and mental health. Although the reviewer found no consistent interface between social media use and the side effects of depression, he acknowledged that some people may still engage in negative effects or feelings of enslavement and exclusion.
Group intensives to examine different experiences on social media, such as cyberbullying and the sharing of expressive content, to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on young people’s development and functioning.
The Trondheim Early Secure Think has been collecting data from guardians and children since they were members four years ago. This is the ninth circular to collect drop data, and analysts expect to advance their understanding of the complex connections between social media and mental health.
“Adolescents’ use of social media can be something that regularly creates strong emotions in people. There is a lot of concern among both parents and professionals,” Steinsbekk said.
