High Tech Depression

Believe it or not, a recent study at Stony Brook University, NY indicates that adolescent girls are prone to depression and anxiety when they spend excessive time on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. What could possibly be the apparent relationship between spending time “talking” on line and depression in these 13 year old girls?

Years ago, girls talked on the phone (land line) and in person about their problems and social conflicts. Their contact was somewhat limited in terms of frequency and privacy. Today, teens can call or text their friends while walking down the street, riding in a car, or from virtually anywhere at any time. They can IM, email, or communicate through social networking sites, and do so with a sense of anonymity and uninhibited comments. The difference is, once again, the frequency and ease of access they have to one another. Certainly, much of the social contact is pleasurable, fun, and fulfilling. However, teenagers are also bombarded with social issues that accompany unpleasant feelings as well. Dr. Joanne Davila, who conducted the study at Stony Brook, seems to agree that the real issue is the amount of exposure teens have to one another, and the excessive rumination and emotionality of their conversations.

I believe social networking sites have an important place in facilitating friendships among teens. As with all of the wonderful technology at our disposal, balance and moderation, along with parental monitoring and guidance will help temper the negative effects, such as depression and anxiety, and enable the positive power of its use.