Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok may increase the risk of depression: new study findings

A new large-scale study explores the relationship between time spent on social media and symptoms of depression, suggesting a possible connection between the two. The link between online platforms and mental health remains a controversial and actively debated topic.

This research extends a year-long review that tracked the online habits of 5,400 adults and monitored their psychological state. At the start of the study, none of the participants reported even mild depression. However, over a series of surveys conducted during the following 12 months, some respondents experienced a noticeable deterioration in their mental well-being. The risk appeared to rise with the use of three popular platforms — Snapchat, Facebook and TikTok.

Scientists emphasize that the findings do not yet prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. According to Dr. Roy Perlis, lead author of the study, one explanation may be that people already at risk of depression are more likely to turn to social media. Another is that these networks may genuinely contribute to a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms.