U.K. researchers found that social media may affect the mental health of girls earlier than boys.

U.K. researchers found that social media may affect the mental health of girls earlier than boys. The study found that girls who spent more time on social media between the ages of 11 and 13 were less satisfied with their lives after one year while this “window of vulnerability” affected boys between the ages of 14 and 15. The researchers conducted the study after finding that the number of 5-16-year-olds with mental health issues rose by 50% between 2017 and 2021—and their suspicion that social media could have something to do with it. The debate about social media’s effect on one’s mental well-being has existed since it was created. And while much evidence points to a link between the two, young Europeans think social media has had more of a positive influence on their lives than a negative one. Our recent WE social media behavior research found that 63% of Gen Z and 57% of Millennials disagree that social media makes them feel worse about their lives. (The Guardian)