Research: Multiple media use tied to depression, anxiety

Media Use Multitasking Linked to Depression and Anxiety

Using multiple forms of media at the same time – such as playing video games while watching TV – is linked to symptoms of anxiety and depression, scientists report.

“We don’t know whether the media multitasking is causing symptoms of depression and social anxiety, or if it’s that people who are depressed and anxious are turning to media multitasking as a form of distraction from their problems,” says Becker.

Further research is necessary to better understand the link between digital media use, depression and anxiety. Continued research of Internet gaming disorder and video game addiction is ongoing and will likely yield greater understanding of whether people who are depressed and anxious use media or how internet addiction and video game addiction worsens symptoms of depression and anxiety. Both of which will better inform treatment for these conditions.