The effect of social media on mental health was varied based on what activities the user engaged in. For example, instant messaging saw reduced feelings of loneliness. Therefore, studies may need to narrow their focus in regards to their definition of social media.

Michigan State University

From a total of 34 studies, the overall trend was that users reported an overall decrease in mental health. However, there are some important trends that affect these results.

Social Media and Overall Mental Health

Meier A, Reinecke L. Computer-Mediated Communication, Social Media, and Mental Health: A Conceptual and Empirical Meta-Review. Communication Research. 2021;48(8):1182-1209. doi:10.1177/0093650220958224
  


Computer-Mediated Communication, Social Media, and Mental Health: A Conceptual and Empirical Meta-Review

Difference in Mental Health Impacts Depending on Specific Social Media Uses

The most common mental health problems of prolonged social media use involved depressive symptoms and anxiety. Negative-body images and loneliness were also reported.

Most Common Negative Effects of Social Media

Overall, the studies analyzed by this meta-analysis were unable to find any major correlation between age, sex, and cultural effects and mental health effects of social media.

Age, Sex, and Cultural Effects on Social Media related Mental Illness

References for The Impact of Electronic Media Violence: Scientific Theory and Research

A multitude of studies have analyzed the effects that violence in the media has on violent behavior. The overwhelming presence of different types of media that children are exposed to has been witnessed in how it impacts their values, perceptions, and behaviors. Aside from being exposed to violence in the media, the effects of being in an environment where actual violence takes place also have an impact on the likelihood of future violent behaviors. This review explores the effects that media violence has on children and how it has been considered a public health threat, along with other factors. 

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