Facebook's Historic University Rollout Caused a Rise in Depression

In 10 seconds? Recent research has shown evidence of how the introduction of social media impacted mental health. Researchers tracked students of selected American universities during the rise of Facebook and found it caused an increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

How do researchers know about the mental health problems of students during this period? The researchers used the most detailed data available about students' mental health in the US: 17 sequential waves of the National College Health Assessment. The researchers collected data from the students describing their mental state and circumstances.