Many young adults in Canada spend a lot of time on their smartphones, switching between apps like TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram.
Their parents and lots of specialists are worried about whether these things can harm their development and mental health.
Researchers are studying the effects of this digital media use on mental health.
A new study
A recent study from McGill University looked at 425 young adults aged 18 to 25.
It found that those who had more unusual thoughts and perceptions, like feeling in danger or hearing things others can't hear, tended to spend more time on digital media.
These experiences affect about 5% of young adults
The study followed these young adults for six months and found that using digital media more often didn't make these unusual experiences happen more frequently.
The researchers want to use this information to improve mental health services for young people.
By understanding what kinds of digital content and activities matter to them, mental health services can become more accessible and better suited to individual needs.
It's important for young people, their families, and professionals to know the risks and benefits of digital media for mental health.
For some, digital platforms could help them access accurate mental health information and services.
