Study links screen use and mental health, but causation remains unclear

Study links screen use and mental health, but causation remains unclear
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A new study has raised concerns over the relationship between technology use and young people’s mental health, but researchers caution against drawing direct conclusions about causation.
According to experts at the University of Cambridge, the study does not definitively prove that screen time causes mental health issues. Instead, it suggests that underlying factors such as poor self-control may lead to both problematic technology use and negative mental health outcomes.

Crucially, the research emphasizes that the reasons young people use digital technologies—and their perceptions of how these tools impact their lives—may play a more significant role in mental health than the number of hours spent online. “Why and how young people use technologies, and how they feel technologies affect their lives, may matter more to their mental health than the time spent online,” one researcher noted.

The findings underline the importance of understanding individual experiences with technology rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all link between screen time and psychological well-being. Given that a notable share of young people report difficulties linked to digital use, researchers stress the need for targeted support, highlighting that addressing these issues should be a serious priority for policymakers and mental health professionals.