Gemma Lewis, a psychiatric researcher from University College London who did not work on this new study, agrees this new study does not allow for any causal conclusion to be made. Is the association seen in the data simply due to a depressed individual being more likely to use social media or watch television? While the way this study categorized different forms of screen use is undeniably a strength, it still suffers from the correlation/causation problem that hounds the majority of screen time research. Thus, the more one's depressive state influences his or her viewing choices, the more similar content is being suggested and provided, and the more likely one will be continuously exposed to such content, thereby maintaining and enhancing depression." "The algorithmic features of television viewing and, in particular, social media create and maintain a feedback loop by suggesting similar content to users based on their previous search and selection behavior. "Social media and television are forms of media that frequently expose adolescents to images of others operating in more prosperous situations, such as those with 'perfect' bodies and a more exciting or rich lifestyle," explains lead author on the study, Elroy Boers. The researchers hypothesize the reason behind social media and television potentially being more damaging to mental health is that these forms of media more realistically depict idealized versions of teens and adults, unlike the abstracted depictions seen in video games. Strangely, however, the study did not see the same associated increase in depression alongside video game and computer use. Increased social media and television use was not linked to a decrease in outdoor physical activity, leading the researchers to suggest the rise in depression was more directly associated with a specific type of screen time use.
A rise in symptoms of depression was associated with increases in both social media use and television viewing.
The temporal nature of the study allowed the researchers to examine any correlations that arose over time and the results were intriguing. Screen time use was split into four categories: social media, TV, video gaming and computers. Each subject was asked to fill out a questionnaire every year, self-reporting on screen time use and mental well-being. At the beginning of the study the subjects were around 12 years of age. The new research followed almost 4,000 children for an average of four years. A new study out of Canada is offering valuable new data on this burgeoning topic, but as with many prior studies, its results are ridden with disclaimers and limitations. But, despite concerns, scientists haven't yet homed in on exactly what effect, if any, these screens are having on children. The rapid evolution of digital technology has resulted in a new generation being raised in front of a vast array of different screens. It is entirely reasonable for parents to be concerned about the effects of screen time on their children's development and well-being. The research separated different types of screen time, and found while frequent television and social media activity correlated with increased symptoms of depression, video game and computer use seemed to have little negative effect.
A compelling new study has followed thousands of Canadian teenagers for several years tracking associations between screen time use and depression.
0 kommentar(er)
