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Research in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Highlights Concerns Over Prolonged Screen Time
Spending more time on social media platforms may lead to heightened inflammation, potentially jeopardizing mental health, reveals a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. The findings shed light on the intricate relationship between social media use and its potential contribution to a spectrum of physical and mental health issues.
Lead author David Lee, Assistant Professor of Communication in the University at Buffalo’s College of Arts and Sciences, explained the significance of the study’s results. “The amount of social media use, assessed objectively by a screen-time app, was not only associated with higher inflammation at a single time point, but also increased levels of inflammation five weeks later.”
The study raises critical questions about the impact of social media engagement on health and underscores the risks associated with excessive screen time. Chronic inflammation, triggered by factors like stress, loneliness, diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep, is linked to severe health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
“Social media use turns out to predict higher levels of inflammation subsequently,” Lee stated, emphasizing the study’s exploration of the potential links between social media use, inflammation, and depression.
Chronic inflammation, which may not manifest visibly like acute inflammation, can be identified in the blood through the measurement of C-reactive protein levels. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of social media usage on physical and mental well-being.
Notably, the study employed an objective measure of social media use through a screen-time app, distinguishing it from prior research that relied on participants’ self-reported estimates of their social media engagement. Lee emphasized the importance of this method, stating, “By using the screen time app, we are more confident about the relation between the amount of social media use and inflammation, which is also robust against any survey response errors or bias because it was obtained through the blood.”
As concerns about the impact of technology on mental health continue to grow, the study adds to the mounting evidence highlighting the potential risks associated with excessive social media use. Researchers hope that the findings prompt individuals to be mindful of their screen time and encourage further investigations into the complex dynamics between digital engagement and well-being.
