Facebook Use Does Not Lead to Depression, According to New Study by Dr. Megan Moreno

Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH
Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH

A newly published study in the Journal of Adolescent Health provides the first evidence to refute the supposed link between depression and the amount of time spent on Facebook and other social-media sites.

Researchers led by Lauren Jelenchick and Dr. Megan Moreno surveyed 190 University of Wisconsin-Madison students between the ages of 18 and 23, using a real-time assessment of Internet activity and a validated, clinical screening method for depression.

Our study is the first to present scientific evidence on the suggested link between social-media use and risk of depression, said Jelenchick, who just received a master’s degree in public health from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “The findings have important implications for clinicians who may prematurely alarm parents about social-media use and depression risks.”