Does social media cause depression ?

Here's a question to consider. Can social media make you depressed ?

Of course that statement may be obvious if you are being trolled online, but in general terms, does it make us depressed?

Since spending a lot of time meditating and being 'mindfull' I had pulled back somewhat from blogging and posting social media updates, (obviously not completely!) and it is very liberating. Some days are now internet free days!

As a passive person and someone who has had major anxiety in the past, I have at times found anxiety 'triggers' on the internet. Here are a few negative feelings that have immerged from being a sensitive internet user.

Inferiority
Frustration
Feeling Ignored
Used as a scapegoat
Incompetent
A joke

Of course this is not every day... but lets put it into perspective.

Say you are a little overweight, in a job you hate, and you are trying to creare a business online. What if someone criticises your project when you have tried your best, then someone later on that day boasts about their new job, when you are struggling with yours? Then maybe someone has lost 2 stone and you have put on two stone. If it's a bit of a low day, it could pretty much leave you feeling deflated, frustrated and pretty rubbish.

As a passive, I do not like to have unhealthy debates online, and do not tolerate aggressive behaviour. I walk away (well, I ignore, block or mute, whichever is the most appropriate) and I believe this is the best tactic to stop any internet anxiety.

Spending to much time on social media can engulf all the above feelings, and as we know, there are many studys that link social media to depression.

If you do get anxiety and if you use the internet reguarly, try taking a longer break than normal, and see if you notice a lift in mood.

I would be interested in any thoughts on this.

Discuss (nicely haha)