A large study following over 25,000 young people in Greater Manchester found little evidence that digital technology use, specifically social media and gaming, causes mental health problems in early-to-mid adolescence.

This large study from the University of Manchester suggests that the link between digital technology use and teenage mental health problems is weak. After tracking over 25,000 young people over three years, the researchers found little evidence that time spent on social media or frequent gaming causes mental health issues in early-to-mid adolescence. The relationship between digital technology use and teenagers’ wellbeing is more nuanced than simple cause and effect.