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Social media platforms help us connect and stay in touch regardless of distance. But excessive use within these networks can have adverse consequences on the mental health of pregnant. Scientists from Tilburg University in the Netherlands surveyed several hundred pregnant women to investigate the potential link between prolonged scrolling through feeds and depression symptoms. The findings of this research were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
About the Study
Researchers conducted a study involving 697 pregnant women aged 19 to 42 in the Netherlands. The average age of the participants was 31 years old. Among them, 96% being employed, 99% having a partner, and 71% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Depression symptoms were assessed at 12, 20, and 28 weeks of pregnancy using the Dutch version of the 10-point Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDS).
Methodology
Data regarding the use of social media using (SMU) were collected at the 12th week of pregnancy. The platforms included in the study were Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube.
Participants reported the number of hours per day they spent on social media on a scale ranging from 1 (not using) to 9 (more than 7 hours). They also assessed the frequency of their visits on a scale from 1 (not visiting) to 7 (more than five visits).
How Social Media Influences the Development of Depression
Excessive SMU is associated with the emergence of depressive symptoms. If a dependency on SMU existed before pregnancy, the symptoms of depression were notably pronounced. According to the study, the more time spent on social media, the more frequently the woman experienced symptoms of depression.
The data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have influenced the results, as noted by the researchers. However, the results were strengthened by the large sample size and the longitudinal design, which allowed for causal inferences.
While our results suggest that SMU can have negative consequences for pregnant women’s mental wellbeing, it is important to note that SMU during pregnancy may also be helpful for some pregnant women, as many women, especially first-time mothers, find information and support through social media.
Study authors
Further research is needed to establish causal relationships. Nevertheless, the data indicate a link between higher levels of depression during pregnancy and intensive social media consumption. According to the scientists, healthcare professionals should discuss social media usage as one of the risk factors for the development of depression in pregnant women, alongside other contributing factors.
Safe and proven methods for coping with stress and anxiety are compiled in this article.
