Screen Time May Not Be the Real Problem Behind Mental Health Symptoms, Australian Study Finds
Harmful online experiences and platform features may matter more for young people's mental health than how long they spend online.
TL;DR
- Young people are growing up in an increasingly digital world.
- Understanding the effects of online technologies on mental health is a priority.
- A significant Australian study challenges the assumption that more online time equates to poorer mental health in youth.
- The study found stronger evidence that pre-existing mental health problems predict greater subsequent technology use.
- This relationship was particularly noted for social media use.
- The report examined technology use and mental health in Australians aged 5 to 25.