Snapchat, Tiktok may increase depression in adults

Using social media platforms including Snapchat, Facebook or TikTok is likely to be associated with a greater likelihood of a subsequent increase in depressive symptoms, finds a new study.

The researchers, including Roy H Perlis from Harvard Medical School, Boston, found that in adjusted regression models Snapchat, Facebook and TikTok use at first survey were significantly associated with a greater risk of increase in self-reported depressive symptoms.

“In this survey study, 5,395 individuals with minimal depressive symptoms on initial survey who reported use of Snapchat, Facebook or TikTok were more likely to report increased levels of depressive symptoms on a later survey,” the researchers said.