Social media harms overstated as study finds impact is 'trivial' on teens' well-being

By Alex Matthews-King Independent

Fears about social media's harms have been stoked based on 'lackluster evidence' saying hours in front of the screen add up to harms.

Fears than being hooked on social media are creating a generation of depressed and anxious teenagers have been overstated, according to a study which found it has a "trivial" effect on life satisfaction.

Ministers and parent groups have raised the alarm about excessive time spent on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.