With the popularity of using social media and the growing incidence of depression that can be caused by multiple factors, interest in the association between social media use and psychosocial well-being has been raised. 1,289 participants aged between 18 and 30 years were recruited to perform a self-reported social media use whereas depression was assessed using the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The results showed that initial social media use is strongly associated with subsequent depression development while social media use after depression does not increase. Young adults who increased their use of social media were significantly more likely to develop depression within six months. Since social media use can be recognised as a potential emerging risk factor for developing and even worsening depression, please keep in mind to stay mentally healthy in this era of social media.

Keyword: social media use, depression, psychosocial

Reference

Brian AP, et al. Am J Prev Med 2020;000:1−10.