User:Angieklepach/sandbox

Depression
As the internet first began to grow in popularity, researchers noted an association between increases in internet usage and decreases in offline social involvement and psychological well-being. Investigators explained these findings through the hypothesis that the internet supports poor quality relationships. In light of the recent emergence of online social networking, there has been growing concern of a possible relationship between individuals’ activities on these forums and symptoms of psychopathology, particularly depression.

Research has shown a positive correlation between time spent on social networking sites and depressive symptoms. In the aspect of social relations, a study from Carnegie Mellon University represents that users feel more connected to people when utilizing activity on social platforms, which in turn increases social interaction. One possible explanation for this relationship is that people use social networking sites as a method of social comparison, which leads to social comparison bias.

Adolescents who used Facebook and Instagram to compare themselves with and seek reassurance from other users experienced more depressive symptoms. It is likely, though, that the effects of social comparison on social networking sites is influenced by who people are interacting with on those sites. Specifically, Instagram users who followed a higher percentage of strangers were more likely to show an association between Instagram use and depressive symptoms than were users who followed a lower percentage of strangers.

Research has also found in other studies of depression that people utilize social media to attain the basic human need for social relations. As well, the more time spent on social networking sites, the more their state of minds altered in a negative light.

Addiction can occur when one begins to check media constantly, which rearranges brain activity. Signs of addiction can include but are not limited to numbness or devoid of emotion, trouble paying attention, and craving more internet time.

However, research support for a relationship between online social networking and depression remains mixed. Banjanin and colleagues (2015), for example, found a relationship between increased internet use and depressive symptoms, but no relationship between time spent on social networking sites and depressive symptoms. Several other studies have similarly found no relationship between online social networking and depression.