Longer social media use duration is associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents
This retrospective study of 156 adolescents found significant positive correlations between average daily social media use duration and PHQ-9 scores (r = 0.352, p < 0.001) and GAD-7 scores (r = 0.308, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified longer social media use as an independent risk factor for positive depressive symptoms (OR = 1.794, 95% CI: 1.261-2.547) and positive anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.624, 95% CI: 1.169-2.267).
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Longer social media use duration is associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Longer social media use duration is associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adolescents admitted to a mental health service center in Hunan Province, China, between January 2022 and December 2023.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Association Between Social Media Use Duration and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study. (Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Adolescents engage in social media use for varying durations
- ▸Longer duration may lead to increased exposure to negative social comparisons, cyberbullying, or reduced physical activity
- ▸These factors may contribute to psychological distress
- ▸Result: Higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, indicating more depressive and anxiety symptoms
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adolescents admitted to a mental health service center in Hunan Province, China, between January 2022 and December 2023
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Retrospective design limits causal inference
- ▸Single-center study with a small sample size (n=156) may limit generalizability
- ▸Social media use duration was self-reported, potentially subject to recall bias
- ▸No data on content or type of social media use, which may confound results
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the association between social media use duration and depression in adolescents?▼
The study found a significant positive correlation (r=0.352) and identified longer social media use as an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms (OR=1.794).
What was the sample size and study design?▼
The study was retrospective, analyzing data from 156 adolescents admitted to a mental health service center between January 2022 and December 2023.
What other factors were associated with depression and anxiety?▼
Authoritative and permissive parenting styles, medium and poor academic performance, and reduced weekly exercise frequency were also independent risk factors for depression or anxiety.
Is this evidence causal?▼
No, the retrospective design precludes causal inference; it only shows an association.
References
- 1.Feng L, Tan Z. “Association Between Social Media Use Duration and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study..” Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 2026. PMID: 42633519 DOI: 10.62641/aep.v54i4.2228