Depression And Social Media: Lack Of Face-To-Face Interaction Doubles Depression Risk

As humans, we crave social interaction. It's simply ingrained in our nature and is necessary for survival; that's why in this day and age of social media, many are more prone to depression. 

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that replacing face-to-face contact with friends and family members over email or other means of communication could actually double the depression risk among some.

The findings revealed that those who met friends and family at least three times a week were much less likely to suffer from depression than counterparts who saw their loved ones less.

Researchers at the University of Michigan lead the study, examining the impact different types of social interaction might have on depression.

Over 11,000 adults over the age of 50 were tracked for more than two years, while links were discovered between face-to-face contact on the phone, time engaged with loved ones, contact with loved ones via telephone and social media. However, they found that it made little difference.

"Research has long supported the idea that strong social bonds strengthen people's mental health," Dr Alan Teo, lead author and assistant professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University, said via The Daily Mail. "But this is the first look at the role that the type of communication with loved ones and friends plays in safeguarding people from depression."

Findings revealed that volunteers who met with family and friends at least three times a week had the lowest risk of developing symptoms of depression at 6.5 percent when compared to the 11.3 percent among those who got together once every few months or less with their loved ones. Frequency of phone calls and emails did not seem to have a clear impact on depression risk. 

And of course, there's nothing wrong with sending a text or two to a loved one. After all, it is a way to connect (even if it's a bit impersonal.) But of course, it's not substitute for an in person meet-up. 

Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that roughly 9.5 percent of adults experience depression. 

Related Articles 

Facebook: Social Network Changes Its News Feed Algorithms To See What Videos You're Watching

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).