The news often concern about the relationship between mental health and the use of social networks. While experts call for more research to find out how Facebook or Twitter affect our minds, several studies contradict the idea that these applications are harmful and others point to specific benefits for some mental illnesses. It has even been shown that social networks can be used to diagnose serious disorders.

Spending hours on social networks can pose risks such as isolation —especially among the youngest— and in the media it is common to read the word addiction associated with social networks, but specialists deny that this disorder exists and speak of a possible use overkill of these apps.

Allies against suicide

Other problems that are often linked to excessive use of the networks are loneliness and anxiety, but research from the universities of Central Florida (USA) concluded that more time on these applications was not linked to poor mental health .

Through surveys distributed to 467 young people, the scientists found out how much time they spent on social networks, the importance they gave it and how they used them. They also assessed their mental health, levels of social anxiety, loneliness, decreased empathy, and suicidal ideation.

Although in general they found no relationship between time on the networks and the different mental health parameters evaluated, they did find an association between those who wrote in a way known as vaguebooking with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

Vaguebooking refers to unclear and disturbing posts that worry the users who read them.

Experts deny that there is an addiction to social networks, although excessive use can occur.

Positive for some disorders

Twitter or YouTube can also be positive for people with serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

In the case of YouTube, researchers from Stanford University have discovered that patients used them to feel less alone, find hope, support and defend themselves. Also to share personal stories and strategies that will help them cope from day to day.

As for Twitter, the patients used it mainly to contact other people who also had a mental disorder, share their experiences and learn new coping strategies.

For people with serious disorders such as schizophrenia, the use of YouTube or Twitter can be positive.

Although this use is positive, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to know the beneficial and harmful effects of social networks on mental health.

The risks are related to privacy and security, cyber bullying, discrimination, stigma, trolls, and any attack that may offend the user's sensibilities. Another risk is believing that the lives of others are perfect, based on what is published on their profiles.

It's important that people keep perspective when using social media and try to connect with friends, not compare their lives to others.