https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db513.htm#Key_finding Important note:
During July 2021 through December 2023, one-half of teenagers ages 12–17 had 4 hours or more of daily screen time (50.4%).
I wouldn’t be surprised to find teenagers depressed and anxious during a pandemic.
Furthermore it is clear that this study only confirms correlation.
It’s definitely more complicated than that. Based on things I have read, social media helps some neurodivergent kids who have trouble making friends in school have a social life. It’s easier for some of them to have friends when they don’t have to worry about things like interpreting their emotions from their facial expressions.
I think likely screen time reduces anxiety and depression for those teens because it lets them do something that avoids such things due to lack of friendships.
