Social Media Might Not Be Rotting Our Brains as Much as We Think, Twin Study Finds

A new study out this week might complicate the narrative over social media’s supposed draining effects on our mental health. It showed only a small correlation between social media use and poorer well-being—one that’s likely explained in part by our genes.

Researchers in the Netherlands examined data from thousands of twins. They found small associations between using social media more and having worse mental health, but also that these associations were often influenced by shared genetic factors. The findings suggest that social media may not be as universally harmful to our psychological well-being as commonly believed, the researchers say.

“Our research helps move the conversation away from simplistic claims that social media is either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for everyone,” said lead author S