Does ‘Too Much’ Facebooking, Social Media Cause Depression? Low Self-Esteem?

I read a very interesting piece this week from a guy who's a long-time radio and programming veteran, who makes a very good case for not overdoing it with Facebook, or social media in general.

Before you snicker, or say it's impossible to put down your phone,  consider these good, valid arguments.

Jerry Del Colliano is considered an expert in radio, journalism and interactive media, and was the founder of the "Bible" of broadcasting, the trade magazine Inside Radio. He's also the founder and operator of Inside Music Media.

Del Colliano consults numerous radio stations and other media outlets, and stays on top of the latest trends in everything communications.  This week, he offered up increasing evidence of the link between depression in college students and social media.

Del Colliano wrote that according to the annual survey done by the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), incoming freshman had the lowest level of self-rated emotional health in 49 years (based upon 153,000 students from some 227 universities and colleges).

Social media use among students who utilize it at least six or more hours a week has jumped from 18.9% in 2007 to 27.2% in 2014.  So where's the connection?

A University of Missouri study showed there's a link between heavy Facebook usage with feelings of envy and depression, and a 2014 study done in Austria shows the more time respondents spent on Facebook, the more they felt like they were wasting their time.

Del Colliano also noted:

"Psychiatrist Dr. Victor Schwartz of the Jed Foundation says there is an association between depression and time spent on social media."

He goes on to say perhaps it a red-flag warning to parents.  He suggests making an effort for more face-to-face contact with people. Take time to thank someone for doing something nice, even if it's a small gesture.  Set aside a few moments by putting away the phone and interact with people, your family, and friends.

Del Colliano says it's no accident that the increase in depression in our society coincides with the "expanded use of digital contact."

And although the data mentioned here specifically deals with college students, it's very applicable throughout all age groups who heavily utilize social media.

He finished with some wise words of advice:

"Perhaps the better prescription is balance, gratitude and live contact with real people face to face."

Yes, social media and Facebook are wonderful communication tools, but don't let them wash away your human, interpersonal communication with real people.