Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
12/9/2016
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Regular use of social networks contributes to mental health, according to an Australian survey.
The study, published by the Universities of Melbourne and Monash on Friday (9), looked at 70 surveys that examined the relationship between social networks and depression, anxiety and well-being.
Researchers have found that social networks have often proved useful in connecting people and getting them social support, as well as providing a unique source of support for individuals who have difficulty with face-to-face interactions.
However, social networks were not good for everyone, as some people often compared to others, posted negative thoughts or were addicted to social networks, at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Peggy Kern, a leader of the University of Melbourne study, said that people with social anxiety were more likely to passively use social networks rather than getting directly involved, while individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to post their negative thoughts.
"Social media provides not only a window into the thoughts and emotions that people choose to share, but also some of their behavioral patterns that can help or hurt mental health," Kern said in a statement on Friday.
"By understanding the links between social networks and mental health, we can make better choices about how to use social networks productively and promote good mental health."
Elizabeth Seabrook, a researcher at Monash University, said research shows that social media could be used in the future to identify and predict the presence of depression and social anxiety in a user.
"Research continuity can be a powerful tool for early identification of mental health risk," said Seabrook.
Source: Agência Brasil
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.