Social Media, Adolescent Depression, and Blueberry Extract: The Connection
Last week, on a very early morning (I endeavor to get up at 5:00am, not always successful), and with my first cup of tea I came across an article from the US Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murthy, calling upon the Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms.
In fact, Dr. Murthy insisted that social media be treated like tobacco and alcohol, as harmful to our body and mind; and the necessity to highlight their potential harm to children's mental health.
Social media is now equated with the harm of tobacco and alcohol - and especially for young people.
CNN, a New York Times op-ed, and various other news outlet reported Dr. Murthy’s strong verdict on social media as a major factor in the mental health crisis among adolescents.
Riehm et al. (2019 study) reported the link between three hours plus of daily social media use with a doubled risk of adolescent anxiety and depression—teens average 4.8 hours per day. He argues that previous research findings show that warning labels can raise awareness and influence parental behavior.
The NY Times op-ed comes after Dr. Murthy’s May 2023 advisory recommending limits on social media use, with phone-free schools and restricting access until after middle school.
As of now there are around 12 states that have tried to limit young people time on social media, although some states are fighting it in court.
Depression in young adolescents is an important topic we will focus on in the next couple of emails. There are many beautiful research projects on blueberries and blueberry extract as healing agents for depression and anxiety for adolescents.
Take a look at three research articles below, they are worth reading!
Enjoy!
Yours as Always,
Dohrea
References
- Fisk, J., Khalid, S., Reynolds, S. A., & Williams, C. M. (2020). Effect of 4 weeks daily wild blueberry supplementation on symptoms of depression in adolescents. British Journal of Nutrition, 124(2), 181-188. Article
- Goldman, D. (June 17, 2024). Surgeon general demands warning label on social media apps. CNN. Article
- Khalid, S., Barfoot, K. L., May, G., Lamport, D. J., Reynolds, S. A., & Williams, C. M. (2017). Effects of acute blueberry flavonoids on mood in children and young adults. Nutrients, 9(2), 158. Article
- Murthy, V. (June 17, 2024). Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning label on Social Media Platforms. The New York Times, Opinion, Guest Essay. Article
- Riehm, K. E., Feder, K. A., Tormohlen, K. N., Crum, R. M., Young, A. S., Green, K. M., ... & Mojtabai, R. (2019). Associations between time spent using social media and internalizing and externalizing problems among US youth. JAMA psychiatry, 76(12), 1266-1273. Article
We have developed our products based on scientific research and/or the practical experience of many healthcare practitioners. There is a growing body of literature on food based nutrition and supplements and their application in support of our health. Please use our products under the advisement of your doctor.
My Research: Peace
|
Woo, B. D., & Nam, H. (2024). Women and Peace Theory and Civil Conflict Intensity. SAGE Open, 14(2), 21582440241245315. |
|
©2005 - 2024 BioImmersion Inc. All Rights Reserved |
