A study led by researchers at Tel Aviv University, MIT Slogan School of Management and Bocconi University reveals new insights into the negative impact of Facebook on the mental health of American college students.
Results include a 7% increase in the number of students who reported having suffered from depression so severe that it was difficult for them to function at least once in the previous year; a 20% increase in the number of students reporting anxiety disorders; a 2% increase in the number of students experiencing moderate to severe depression; and 3% increase in the number of students experiencing academic impairment due to depression or anxiety.
The study combined information from two different data sets, which include the specific dates on which Facebook was introduced at 775 American colleges and the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a survey conducted at American colleges.
The study also identified differences in mental health over time or across colleges that had nothing to do with Facebook.
The team interpreted this scenario by examining other NCHA data, which they found had a greater negative impact on the mental health of students who lived off-campus and were therefore less involved in social activities.
The sources for this piece are an article in the TAU.