According to a large-scale study by the University of Manchester, time spent on social networks or an interest in computer games is not directly linked to the development of depression and anxiety in adolescents. This conclusion is particularly relevant in the UK, as the government, following Australia’s lead, considers a social media ban for minors under 16.
Researchers monitored 25,000 adolescents (aged 11 to 14) over three academic years. Scientists studied their daily habits on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, as well as the frequency of video gaming and its impact on their emotional state.
Key Findings of the StudyThe study revealed that increased intensity of social media use had no negative effect on the mental state of adolescents. For both boys and girls, an increase in screen time between the eighth and tenth grades was not found to be a cause of anxiety or depression symptoms in the following year. The data confirms that social media consumption, in itself, does not determine an adolescent’s emotional well-being.
Scientists examined in detail how young people used digital platforms—whether through active messaging with friends, posting stories, or simply passive browsing (so-called “scrolling”). The results showed that none of these activities caused emotional deterioration. This finding challenges the widespread belief that passive content consumption automatically worsens an adolescent’s mental health.
One of the most significant conclusions of the study is the reimagining of causality. Scientists explain that technology does not dictate a person’s mood; rather, the opposite may be true—an adolescent’s choice of how much time to spend on social media or gaming might be dictated by their current emotional state. Consequently, instead of blaming technology, focus should be placed on the environment of their daily lives and the extent of real-world support they receive.
The study’s authors emphasize that the problem lies not in screen time itself, but in the actual experiences and content, such as offensive messages, online harassment, or extreme material. These factors continue to pose a threat to the well-being of adolescents.
