Pixels might be affecting your psyche!
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Is your inner operating system getting rewired from gaming or doomscrolling?
Enter Yunyu Xiao and team at Columbia University. They tested the effects of screen time on teens’ emotional health.
These teens were sorted into low or high social media and video game users. Researchers checked on their mental health at least two years later.
And? Teens who used the most social media struggled with outwardly handling their emotions. On the other hand, teens who often played video games felt stronger negative emotions.
Turns out, managing our digital habits matters for our mental health.
So don’t let your emotional cache get full!
Reference: Xiao Y, Meng Y, Brown TT, Keyes KM, Mann JJ. Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths. JAMA. 2025;334(3):219–228. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.7829