Depression in the Digital Age: Exploring the Link Between Daily Social Media Use and Depression Severity

Social media has become an inseparable part of daily life, especially for young adults. While it allows users to stay connected, spending too much time online may also harm mental health. This study explored how the duration and type of social media use relate to symptoms of depression among 606 university students in the Netherlands over two years. Starting in 2021, the students reported their average daily social media use and whether their use was more active (interacting with others) or passive (scrolling without engaging). Depression levels were measured at three time points (baseline, month 3, and month 6) using linear regressions that controlled for gender and the duration of social media use. For each time point, the updated social media use data were used to accurately reflect the participants’ current habits. Results showed that students who spent more time on social media initially reported higher depression symptoms, but this relationship weakened over time. Passive use...Show moreSocial media has become an inseparable part of daily life, especially for young adults. While it allows users to stay connected, spending too much time online may also harm mental health. This study explored how the duration and type of social media use relate to symptoms of depression among 606 university students in the Netherlands over two years. Starting in 2021, the students reported their average daily social media use and whether their use was more active (interacting with others) or passive (scrolling without engaging). Depression levels were measured at three time points (baseline, month 3, and month 6) using linear regressions that controlled for gender and the duration of social media use. For each time point, the updated social media use data were used to accurately reflect the participants’ current habits. Results showed that students who spent more time on social media initially reported higher depression symptoms, but this relationship weakened over time. Passive use became linked to higher depression scores after three months, suggesting that its negative effects may develop gradually. These findings highlight that not all social media use is equally harmful, and that promoting more active and balanced online engagement could help protect young adults’ mental well-being.Show less

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Depression in the Digital Age: Exploring the Link Between Daily Social Media Use and Depression Severity