Khaberni - A recent study debunked the idea of psychological danger from social networking sites and video games to teenagers, after results showed that spending long time in front of screens does not increase depression or anxiety among youth, according to the lead researcher Chi Chi Cheng from the University of Manchester.
The study followed over 25,000 children aged between 11 and 14 years over three academic years, where researchers recorded their habits in electronic gaming and using apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, along with their feelings and mental states.
Chi Chi Cheng concluded that intensive use of technology, whether in gaming or browsing social media, does not have a harmful effect on students' mental health, asserting: «The story is more complex than just linking screens to depression or anxiety».
The study also highlighted that the type of usage, whether chatting with others or passively scrolling through posts, does not seem to cause psychological issues, thereby reassuring researchers and families about their concerns related to screen addiction.
