Accusations that social media harms teenage mental-health are widespread, but a new long-term study claims that this may not be true.

Reports of the adverse impact of social media on young people sound alarming enough to make anyone switch off their smartphones. Some studies have even claimed that the younger generation of social media users can develop a real addiction to Facebook, Twitter, and Co.

Other studies have linked social media to low self-esteem, poor sleep, and the potential deterioration of mental health. Now, new research has gone a long way to debunk the belief that depression is caused by social media use.

Taking the Long View

Previous studies have based their claims on measurements from a single point in time. This new study, however, took a more long-term approach. But according to lead study author, Taylor Heffer of Canada’s Brock University, the conclusion that social media causes depression can only be reached when the same people are followed over longer periods of time.