Are Social Media Really Responsible for Mental Health Disorders in Young People ? Science Responds

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Social networks are accused of all evils. Recently, TikTok's parent company was accused of knowingly designing an addictive app at the expense of the mental health of its youngest users. Some time ago, Instagram was singled out, aware of the negative effect of social network on young girls and their mental health. One study even claimed that excessive use of TikTok could be linked to the onset of Tourette syndrome in many young women.

But is it fair to blame social media like this?? A new scientific study highlights that they are not responsible for the increase in mental illness among young people and that other factors should not be overlooked.

Social media is a convenient excuse

A new study has just been published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, a specialist journal, and presents a meta-analysis of 46 studies highlighting the link between the deterioration of young people's mental health and the use of social media.

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While it is “it is entirely justified for parents to be concerned of their children's use of social networks”, one must be moderate in one's approach. The researchers who worked on this new study believe that social networks are not only harmful and can even help to resolve psychological problems. It is important to note the content and the type of use on social networks, and not only the time of use. Despite withdrawing into oneself, some Internet users manage to manage their psychological problems and communicate with other Internet users thanks to the help of social networks.

In addition, if excessive use of social networks can be harmful and that there “there are indeed contents and forms of use likely to aggravate problems among young people”, we must not mix everything. Swiss psychologist Daniel Süsss claims that “the reasons for the increase in mental disorders among young people are much more complex than is generally claimed”.

It is therefore essential to take into account the pressure on performance, loneliness, fear of the future or the inability to prove oneself in the increase in psychological problems among young users.

Faced with the harmful effects of social networks and, more generally, screens, it would be more relevant to better educate about the issues and risks of the latter. A more responsible use should be put forward, rather than a simple ban.

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