Young adults are struggling with social media addiction far more than previously thought, researchers have warned. 

The more time young adults use social media, the more likely they are to be depressed, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine.

They say social media sites could be fueling 'Internet addiction,' a proposed psychiatric condition closely associated with depression. 

The findings could guide clinical and public health interventions to tackle depression, forecast to become the leading cause of disability in high-income countries by 2030.

'Because social media has become such an integrated component of human interaction, it is important for clinicians interacting with young adults to recognize the balance to be struck in encouraging potential positive use, while redirecting from problematic use,' said Brian Primack, director of Pitt's Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health.

'It may be that people who already are depressed are turning to social media to fill a void,' said said lead author Lui yi Lin of the University of Pittsburgh. 

Ms. Lin said exposure to social media also may cause depression, which could then in turn fuel more use of social media.  

She warned exposure to highly idealized representations of peers on social media elicits feelings of envy and the distorted belief that others lead happier, more successful lives.

The research also found engaging in activities of little meaning on social media may give a feeling of 'time wasted' that negatively influences mood.

It could be fueling 'Internet addiction,' a proposed psychiatric condition closely associated with depression.

Spending more time on social media may increase the risk of exposure to cyber-bullying or other similar negative interactions, which can cause feelings of depression, she said.

(Daily Mail)