Facebook use and depression not linked, new research says

A new US study is disputing a warning issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, arguing it has found no link between social media use and the likelihood of developing depression.

Fox News explains that researchers Lauren Jelenchick and Dr. Megan Moreno from the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health surveyed 190 students between the ages of 18 and 23. The participants were screened for depression and asked questions about their online habits.

The study found that those who spent the most time on Facebook were no more likely to be depressed than those who spent just a few minutes a day on the site, MSNBC reports.

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"Our study is the first to present scientific evidence on the suggested link between social-media use and risk of depression," Jelenchick is quoted as saying by Associated Press.  "The findings have important implications for clinicians who may prematurely alarm parents about social-media use and depression risks."

Dr Moreno added that parents do not have to be overly concerned if their child's behavior and mood have not changed, if they have friends and their school work is consistent, according to IANS.

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