AMA highlights negative health impacts of social media usage

HONOLULU — With a majority of U.S. adults and teenagers (68 percent and 71 percent, respectively) using Facebook and with many users checking social media every day, the American Medical Association (AMA) today adopted new policy highlighting the negative health impacts of social media usage. According to several recent studies, there is a notable link between increased use of social media and increased levels of anxiety and depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes depression that develops when preteens and teens spend a large amount of time on social media sites, and advises parents to talk to their children and adolescents about online use.

To tackle these challenges, the new AMA policy urges schools to provide safe and effective educational programs through which students can learn to identify and mitigate the onset of mental health impacts caused by social media usage.