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A recent study led by researchers from University College London (UCL) suggests that frequent posting on social media may increase the risk of developing mental health problems in adults, while passive social media use, such as merely viewing content, does not have the same effect.
Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the study analyzed data from over 15,000 UK adults aged 16 and above, collected through the “Understanding Society” longitudinal survey. The findings indicate that adults who frequently post on social media platforms are more likely to experience heightened mental health issues a year later compared to those who simply observe content.
The researchers found that those who posted regularly on social media had a 0.35-point increase in their General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) score over the course of a year. The GHQ measures mental health by assessing factors such as concentration, sleep, and emotional strain. A higher GHQ score indicates greater psychological distress.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that individuals who both posted and frequently viewed social media content exhibited even higher levels of mental health challenges, scoring 0.31 points higher on the GHQ in the subsequent year. In contrast, those who rarely engaged with social media—either by posting or viewing content—reported fewer mental health issues.
Lead author Dr. Ruth Plackett, a researcher at UCL’s Department of Epidemiology & Health, explained, “Our findings suggest that ‘active’ social media use, particularly posting, may have a more significant impact on mental health than ‘passive’ consumption, such as merely viewing posts. This could be due to negative interactions or anxiety triggered by the fear of judgment from others.”
The study’s results did not show significant differences in the mental health outcomes based on age or gender, underscoring the universal nature of these effects.
While the increase in GHQ scores associated with frequent social media posting may seem modest, the researchers highlight the growing need for strategies to mitigate the potential harms of social media use and promote healthier online habits. The study’s findings also stress the importance of understanding how different forms of social media engagement affect mental well-being, with an emphasis on minimizing the negative impacts of active involvement.
Dr. Plackett further noted, “Social media use has both positive and negative effects on mental health, and more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Identifying who is most vulnerable and who benefits from social media engagement will help guide targeted interventions and policy changes to promote healthier digital experiences.”
As social media continues to play a dominant role in everyday life, this study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the complex relationship between online engagement and mental health. Researchers emphasize that social media companies and policymakers must pay close attention to how various types of social media use influence the mental health of their users.
For further details, see the original study: Yue Yu et al, The Impact of Different Types of Social Media Use on the Mental Health of UK Adults: Longitudinal Observational Study, Journal of Medical Internet Research (2024). DOI: 10.2196/56950.
