Problematic social networking use was linked to depression, anxiety and stress
A pooled analysis found weak to moderate correlations. The evidence does not establish whether problematic use precedes mental health symptoms, follows them or reflects other influences.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Higher levels of problematic social networking use were associated with more depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. The correlations were described as weak to moderate, and the anxiety estimate became smaller after correction for publication bias. These findings do not show that social networking caused the symptoms or that reducing use would relieve them.
The authors called for longitudinal research to clarify direction. The abstract does not establish which came first, and associations with problematic use should not be generalized to all social media use.
What researchers found
Anxiety correlation after publication-bias correction
Relationship between problematic social networking use and anxiety symptoms; correlation coefficient, not a treatment comparison. Assessment timeframe was not reported.
The exposure matters
The review focused on use described as problematic or addictive. It did not test a screen-time limit or a social media intervention, so the results cannot identify an amount of use that improves mental health.
The context varied
Correlations were stronger in Western than Asian samples. The depression association was also weaker in samples with more women. These study-level patterns describe variation; they do not establish what happens within any particular person.
The original publication
The Relationship Between Social Media Addiction, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis.
Dadiotis A, Malliari K, Critselis E et al.
Adv Exp Med Biol · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41273570
- Record checked
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