Study Links Over Three Hours of Daily Screen Time to Increased Risk of Sadness in Adolescents

A recent study reveals a correlation between increased screen time in adolescents and a rise in reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also indicates that teenagers who spend more time on social media platforms tend to exhibit lower self-esteem compared to their peers. Furthermore, the research suggests a potential link between online gaming habits and decreased academic performance among high school students. Researchers collected data from a survey of over 500 adolescents aged 13-17 across three different school districts. The survey measured the amount of time participants spent daily on various digital devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Participants also completed standardized questionnaires designed to assess their mental well-being, self-esteem levels, and academic performance, which was measured by students GPA’s. The analysis revealed a statistically significant, but not causal, association between the amount of time spent on screens and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Specifically, adolescents reporting more than three hours of daily screen time were nearly twice as likely to report feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The study also found an association between excessive social media usage and lower scores on self-esteem scales. In addition, students who reported playing online games for more than two hours per day tended to have lower grade point averages compared to those who played less or not at all.

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Date: May 1, 2025

Author

Mark Chiang