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Experts from many different fields have conducted research and held debates about how using social media affects mental health. Research suggests that mental health issues arising from social media use affect women more than men and vary according to the particular social media platform used, although it does affect every age and gender demographic in different ways. Psychological or behavioural dependence on social media platforms can result in significant negative functions in individuals' daily lives. Studies show there are several negative effects that social media can have on individuals' mental health and overall well-being.[11][12][13][14] While researchers have attempted to examine why and how social media is problematic, they still struggle to develop evidence-based recommendations on how they would go about offering potential solutions to this issue. Because social media is constantly evolving, researchers also struggle with whether the disorder of problematic social media use would be considered a separate clinical entity or a manifestation of underlying psychiatric disorders. These disorders can be diagnosed when an individual engages in online content/conversations rather than pursuing other interests.
^Hawi N, Samaha M (1 February 2019). "Identifying commonalities and differences in personality characteristics of Internet and social media addiction profiles: traits, self-esteem, and self-construal". Behaviour & Information Technology. 38 (2): 110–119. doi:10.1080/0144929X.2018.1515984. S2CID59523874.
^Dong G, Wang J, Yang X, Zhou H (2013). "Risk personality traits of Internet addiction: A longitudinal study of Internet-addicted Chinese university students". Asia-Pacific Psychiatry. 5 (4): 316–321. doi:10.1111/j.1758-5872.2012.00185.x. PMID23857796. S2CID32998481.
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^Rooij AJ, Meerkerk GJ, Schoenmakers TM, Griffiths M, Mheen Dv (1 October 2010). "Video game addiction and social responsibility". Addiction Research & Theory. 18 (5): 489–493. doi:10.3109/16066350903168579. S2CID145226440.
