Exploring the Relationship Between Social Network Sites and Mental Health

Introduction to the Study

A recent study investigated the connection between the use of social network sites and mental health outcomes among adults. With the growth of information and communication technologies, research has increasingly focused on their effects on mental health, revealing associations with anxiety and depression. However, like many studies, this research has its limitations, particularly regarding the generalizability of laboratory findings to real-life scenarios.

Study Limitations

Many studies often concentrate on specific groups, such as teenagers and university students, who may be undergoing significant life changes and stressors. This focus can skew the representation of the general population. Additionally, while some studies suggest a link between social network usage and mental health issues, such implications do not necessarily indicate a causal relationship.

Research Objectives and Methodology

In this recent study, researchers aimed to analyze whether increased engagement with information and communication technology reduces psychological distress and how relationships formed through social media impact the mental health of adults in the United States. This research was published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and utilized data from the U.S. Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), which is recognized as the longest-running survey globally. The study comprised 5,129 participants, and data from 2015 and 2016 were analyzed to model the relationship between psychological distress and social media usage.

Key Findings

The study revealed a connection between reduced psychological distress and the use of the Internet and social network sites. Interestingly, this relationship was not observed in email, texting, or mobile Internet usage frequency. Notably, the model indicated that individuals with extended family members who also use social network sites experience no negative influence from social media, provided the psychological well-being of those family members remains stable. Furthermore, the research suggested that psychological distress in the individual diminishes when an extended family member also engages with the Internet, with the family member’s distress level not adversely affecting the Internet user. This phenomenon may be attributed to the additional social support offered by extended family online.

Conclusion

Contrary to previous studies, this research indicates that, among adult individuals in the U.S., there is no established relationship between the use of information technologies, including social media, and increased psychological distress. In some cases, a positive correlation between social network usage and improved mental health was observed.

Author Information

Written by Olajumoke Marissa Ologundudu, B.Sc. (Hons)

Reference

Hampton KN. Social Media and Change in Psychological Distress Over Time: The Role of Social Causation. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 2019; 00: 1–18. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmz010

Image Credit

Image by Jess Foami from Pixabay