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Teens Are Quitting Sports as Social Media Ups Body Image Concerns

Kids who get discouraged by idealized athletic bodies on social media may end up dropping out of sports, a small study suggests.

In a preliminary study of 70 kids who played -- or used to play -- sports, researchers found that some had quit because they thought they didn't have the "right" body for the activity. And most got that idea from media images, including TikTok and Instagram post...

Face-to-Face Wins: People Get Bigger Mental Boost From Socializing Than Social Media

For a needed mood boost, skip social media and strike up an in-person conversation with someone instead.

Face-to-face socializing boosts mood more than screen time, a new study finds.

People often expect that will be the case, but they don't always follow that instinct, according to the researchers.

"These findings suggest that people may use their smartphones because th...

Social Media Is Parents' Top Concern as Kids Head Back to School: Poll

When U.S. parents express their concerns about their school-aged children, social media use and the internet are at the top of the list.

Mental health issues are another top worry, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

"Parents still view problems dire...

The #1 Enemy of Good Sleep for School Kids: Screens

Video games and social media are keeping school kids up at night, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

But so, too, are more constructive pursuits, including homework and extracurricular activities, which can be a problem when it comes to setting a good sleep routine early in the school year.

"Getting enough sleep is just as crucial as nutrit...

Your Teen & Social Media: Experts Offer Tips to Parents

When parents meet U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, one concern comes up time after time.

"The most common question parents ask me is: 'Is social media safe for my kids,' " Murthy said. "The answer is that we don't have enough evidence to say it's safe, and in fact, there is...

Volunteering Late in Life May Keep Alzheimer's Away

Many retirees opt to volunteer as a way to help others, but new research suggests this act can also benefit volunteers' brain health.

Volunteering later in life may provide protection for the brain from both cognitive (mental) decline and dementia, according to researchers. Their findings were presented this week at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, in Amsterdam, in th...

When College Students Cut Back on Social Media, They Got Happier: Study

Cutting back social media to a spare 30 minutes per day could be the key to reducing anxiety, depression, loneliness and feelings of fear of missing out, researchers say.

That was true for college students in a new study who self-limited social media -- often successfully and sometimes squeezing in just a bit more time -- for two weeks.

"I think on the one hand, the results are kind...

Two-Thirds of Doctors, Researchers Say They've Faced Harassment Since Start of Pandemic

Physicians and scientists are experiencing alarming levels of harassment on social media, according to a new survey.

About two-thirds of respondents said they had been harassed on social media since the COVID-19 pandemic began -- up from 23.3% of physicians surveyed in 2020.

About 64% reported harassment related to comments made about the pandemic, while 64% of those harassed said t...

Is Supplement Berberine Really 'Nature's Ozempic'? Experts Weigh Pros & Cons

The herbal supplement berberine has become the latest social-media obsession for weight-loss, with some on TikTok calling it "nature's Ozempic."

Experts don't agree.

"I would say it's a big exaggeration to call it 'nature's Ozempic,'"said Dr. Melinda R...

Seniors: Stay Social, Active for 'Optimal Aging,' Study Shows

The benefits of friendships and activity aren't just for the young.

Staying socially active can also help older adults age their best, according to new research that pinpoints volunteering and recreational activities as important for seniors.

"Although the study's observational nature prohibits the determination of causality, it makes intuitive sense that social activity is associ...

One Key to Good Sleep for Teens: No Social Media at Bedtime

Teens need their sleep, and a new study sheds light on one way to help them get it: Keep cellphones and screens out of the bedroom.

"Getting enough sleep is crucial for teenagers because it helps their body and mind grow and develop properly,"said lead author Dr. Jason Nagata, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the ...

U.S. Surgeon General Warns That Social Media Can Harm Teens' Mental Health

Social media presents a "profound risk"to young brains, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned on Tuesday.

In a report, Murthy warned about ...

Many Parents Worry About Social Media's Impact on Kids' Body Image: Poll

About 7 in 10 American parents are concerned that social media trends related to appearance and editing apps and filters are harming their children's body image, a new survey shows.

Among those polled, about 69% of parents expressed worry about these editing apps and filters, which can completely change the look of someone's face and body. This may make them appear to meet some supposed s...

Almost All TikTok Videos About Vaping Promote It

TikTok content overwhelmingly promotes vaping, putting young users at potential risk of e-cigarette use, according to researchers in Australia.

The popular social media platform's own policies on promoting e-cigarette use are often violated, their new study shows.

"Our study explored how e-cigarettes are promoted on TikTok, to assess the effectiveness of the platform's own 'drugs, c...

Psychologists' Group Issues First Guidelines on Teens' Use of Social Media

It's easy for kids to get drawn into Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok, and a leading U.S. psychologists' group warns they need some training in social media literacy beforehand.

The American Psychological Association on Tuesday issued 10 science-based recommendations for teen and preteen social media use, the first time it has done so. The APA compares training in social media to getting a ...

Need Accurate Info on Liver Disease? Don't Head to TikTok

About 4.5 million adults in the United States have liver disease. If they're looking for information about their condition, they'd be wise to look beyond TikTok, new research suggests.

About 40% of posts about liver disease on the social media platform are false or misleading, pushing claims about fad diets and detox drinks, according to a researcher from the University of Arizona College...

'Toxic Fandom:' When Your Child's Celebrity Worship Goes Too Far

It's not new for young people to develop an interest in their favorite pop singer or actor, but it can be problematic if that adoration turns toxic.

It's easier than ever to get lost in a celebrity's carefully curated image via social media posts, according to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, which offers some tips for when fandom goes too far.

"Artists may do things that enc...

Too Much Time Online Might Raise Kids' Odds for Mental Health Woes: Study

Children's screen use could be altering their developing brains as they enter adolescence and increasing their risk for mood disorders, a major new study finds.

Children ages 9 and 10 who spend more time on smartphones, tablets, video games and TV exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety by the time they were 11 and 12, researchers found.

Further, the investigators linked s...

Too Much Social Media Could Raise Risk for Eating Disorders

Curated images of perfect bodies -- often highly filtered and unrealistic -- are common on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

And a broad new review of 50 recent studies across 17 countries finds that relentless online exposure to largely unat...

Looking for Accurate Info on Mpox? Maybe Avoid TikTok

Don't rely on TikTok for accurate health information about mpox, the virus once known as monkeypox, a new study says.

An international group of researchers who watched and analyzed videos about mpox on the social media site found them to be often inaccurate, incomplete and of poor quality. Study findings were published May 14 in

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
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  • March 15, 2023
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    • Dozens of Medical Groups Launch Effort to Battle Health Misinformation

    Alarmed by the increasing spread of medical misinformation, 50 U.S. medical and science organizations have announced the formation of a new group that aims to debunk fake health news.

    Called the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science, the group brings together reputable associations representing American academics, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, drug and insurance...

    Cutting Down on Social Media Brings Quick Boost to Teens' Self-Image

    All those images of beautiful-looking people on social media can deflate a young person's self-image, but there may be an easy fix: limiting time spent on TikTok, Instagram and the like.

    A new Canadian study finds that teens and young adults who already had symptoms of anxiety or depression and who cut their social media usage by about 50% experienced a significant improvement in how they...

    TikTok Videos on Abortion Pills Are Largely Accurate: Study

    While you can't trust everything you read or see on social media, some information is reliable.

    Researchers from Duke University studied popular videos on the social media site TikTok. The videos offered information on ways to obtain a medication abortion.

    These were typically informative and useful, the study authors said.

    "When we started the study, we expected to find more ...

    Weed-Friendly Posts on Social Media Get Teens Using Cannabis

    Laws bar advertising cannabis to teens, but that doesn't mean they always work.

    In a new survey, researchers found that teens still see a lot of positive cannabis messages through social media posts.

    These messages influenced their intentions a...

    Social Isolation Can Raise Odds for Dementia

    Social isolation is a substantial risk factor for dementia in older adults, according to a pair of studies that add evidence to past research on this threat.

    But these new studies offer a potential solution: using technology to encourage older adults to text and email to stay in touch.

    Although the studies don't prove lack of regular social contact causes dementia, researchers said ...

    Frequent Social Media Checks May Affect Young Brains

    Social media's impact on young people is a hot topic, with most kids and teens wanting to do whatever their friends are doing and parents worrying about setting limits.

    A new study examines whether frequent checking of social media sites (Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat) is associated with changes in functional brain development in these early adolescents, about age 12.

    Using brain...

    New TikTok Trend of Mouth Taping During Sleep Carries Dangers

    A new trend promoted on the social media platform TikTok has people taping their lips shut at bedtime -- a practice that could be dangerous, an expert warns.

    The purpose of mouth taping is to keep from breathing through your mouth at night.

    "If you have obstructive sleep apnea, yes, this can be very dangerous," sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta told CNN.

    "There is lim...

    Looking for Reliable Hay Fever Advice? It's Probably Not on YouTube

    Need information about hay fever? Steer clear of YouTube, a new study advises.

    Researchers found misinformation about allergic rhinitis, the medical name for the disorder, in a large numbers of posts on the popular video-sharing site.

    That's significant, because 7 in 10 patients wi...

    'Virtual' Museum Visits Are Good Medicine for Seniors

    By combining technology with interactive art activities, older people at home can have museums come to them -- and this can support their physical, mental and social well-being, a new study reports.

    "This participatory art-based activity could become a model that could be offered in museums and arts institutions worldwide to promote active and healthy aging," said lead author Dr. Olivier...

    Skip the Texts: Face-to-Face Meetings Make College Students Happier

    In a world where everyone spends more and more time with eyes fixed on their phones, new research suggests young people feel happier after socializing with friends in person rather than virtually.

    The conclusion is an outgrowth of nearly four years spent analyzing how social habits of more than 3,000 college students affected their state of mind.

    "The findings of

  • Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
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  • August 4, 2022
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    • 'Social Contagion' Isn't Causing Adolescents to Become Trans, Study Finds

    A "social contagion" theory that suggests teens, and girls in particular, are being influenced by their peers to become transgender is baseless, a new study finds.

    "The hypothesis that

  • By Robin Foster and Cara Murez HealthDay Reporters
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  • August 4, 2022
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    • Tweets Show Americans Eating Healthier in Pandemic

    Whether it's fact or brag, tweets suggest people ate healthier during COVID lockdowns and restaurant closures, a new study finds.

    Tweets about healthy foods rose 20% between May 2020 and January 2021, while those about fast food and alcohol dropped 9% and 11%, respectively, researchers found.

    "

    Social Media Has Big Impact on People Taking Up Smoking, Vaping

    The potent influence of social media may include tobacco use.

    By analyzing 29 previously published studies, researchers found that people who viewed social media that contained tobacco content were more than twice as likely to report using tobacco and were more likely to use it in the future, compared to those who never v...

    Facebook, Instagram Take Down Posts Offering Abortion Pills

    Facebook and Instagram have started taking down posts that offer abortion pills to women who may not be able to get them after the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade.

    These posts told women how to get

  • By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
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  • June 28, 2022
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    • More Cyberbullying, More Suicidal Thoughts Among Teens: Study

    Adolescents who experience cyberbullying are more likely to think about suicide, a new study shows.

    Researchers found a link between being bullied online, through texts or on social media, and thoughts of suicide that go above and beyond the link between suicidal thoughts and traditional offline bullying.<...

    Want Reliable Diet Advice? Don't Head to TikTok

    A new study warns that the social media giant TikTok is filled with confusing and wrong information about the heart-healthy, plant-based approach to eating dubbed the Mediterranean diet.

    For the study, researchers analyzed 200 videos posted to the platform last August. They were the first to pop up on a search for content tagged #mediterraneandiet. By definition, that tag, or label, sugge...

    Week Off Social Media Boosts Mental Health: Study

    It's no secret that too much social media can be bad for one's mental health. Now, research suggests that taking even a brief break from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can ease symptoms of depression and

  • Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
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  • May 11, 2022
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    • Teens on TikTok: Fun, But Addictive and Maybe Harmful

    In the fall of 2021, TikTok announced a major milestone to coincide with its fifth anniversary: The amassing of roughly 1 billion global users, many of them young, turning to the app every month as a way to view, make and share bite-sized videos.

    But what exactly do those young users think of the app? Is it a boon to their self-esteem and creativity, or an addictive time-waster that crea...

    Who Are the New 'Patient Influencers' on Social Media?

    Disability activist Gem Hubbard regularly shares her insights about life in a wheelchair with more than 75,000 Instagram followers, under the handle @wheelsnoheels_, and her YouTube videos boast more than 3.7 million hits.

    Hubbard, who hails from the U.K., is "increasingly known internationally for her work in furthering the horizons of people with and without disabilities,"

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • April 15, 2022
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    • Does Social Media Harm Kids? It Might Depend on Their Age

    Your child's risk of harm from social media is higher at certain ages and it's different for girls and boys, researchers report.

    To figure out how social media use affected "life satisfaction" among 10- to 21-year-olds, the investigators analyzed long-term data on 17,400 young people in the United Kingdom.

    The

  • By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter
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  • March 29, 2022
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    • U.S. Surgeon General Investigates COVID-19 Misinformation

    An investigation into health misinformation on COVID-19 has been launched by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

    "Misinformation has had a profound impact on COVID-19 and our response," Murthy told CNN. "Studies have demonstrated that the vast majority of the American public either believes common myths about COVID-19 or thinks those myths might be true. And many of those incl...

    Is Pandemic Social Media Use Worsening Tic Disorders in Teens?

    For reasons that remain murky, new research warns that a spike in social media use during the pandemic might have worsened tic disorders in children.

    Tics are sudden twitches, movements or sounds that people do repeatedly because they can't control their body.

    In the study, 90% of 20 tic patients aged ...

    Loneliness Can Be Unhealthy Heartbreaker for Older Women

    It's a fate many older women fear: loneliness and isolation as they age. Now, new research suggests those feelings may also predispose them to heart disease.

    The findings may be especially relevant now because of social distancing required by the pandemic.

    "We are social beings. In this time of COVID-19, many people are experiencing

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  • February 7, 2022
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    • Crowdfunding for Medical Costs Almost Always Fails

    You have almost certainly seen the pleas while scrolling through social media: Called crowdfunding, folks try to raise money to pay for their sick loved one's mounting medical bills.

    But new research shows these grassroots campaigns rarely raise enough money to make a difference.

    According to GoFundMe, which corner...

    U.S. Teens Were Already in Mental Health Crisis Before Pandemic Hit

    MONDAY, Jan. 24, 2022 (HealthDay Now) -- Alaina Stanisci has grappled with an eating disorder since she was 10, and the disruptions of the pandemic only made things worse for the high school senior.

    "I actually experienced a relapse at the beginning of the pandemic because of this lack of structure," Stanisci, 18, of Mountain Lakes, N.J., said during a HealthDay Now interview. "D...

    Many Marijuana Vendors Aim Advertising at Kids: Study

    Some recreational pot shops are using tricks from the old playbooks of alcohol and tobacco companies to target underage users on social media, a new study reports.

    Despite state laws restricting such marketing, researchers found marijuana retailers on social media promoting their wares with posts that:

    • Featured cartoon characters like Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Rick and...

    Celebrities' Social Media Promotes Junk Food, Often for Free

    Images of people eating and drinking are a staple of social media, but new research finds such posts from celebrities often puts the spotlight squarely on junk food.

    Profit isn't always the reason why, investigators found: Celebrities often highlight unhealthy food favorites without getting paid for it.

    "Ninety-five percent of photos that contain foods and beverages on celebrities' ...

    Worried About Your Teen's Social Media Use? Experts Offer Help

    Is your teen staring at their smartphone all day? There's many things parents can do to protect kids from the potentially negative effects of social media, experts say.

    While there are positive aspects to social media, there's evidence it can pose risks to teens' mental health due ...

    Zoom Meeting Anxiety Doesn't Strike Everyone

    The pandemic has made Zoom meetings a daily reality for millions. For many, having to watch their own face in a meeting is the worst part.

    But that's not true for everyone, new research shows.

    "Most people believe that seeing yourself during virtual meetings contributes to making the overall experience worse, but that's not what showed up in my data," said study author Kristine Kuh...

    Parents Underestimate How Much Time Teens Spent Online During Pandemic

    Parents, think you have a good handle on how much time your teens are spending on social media?

    Don't bet on it. New research suggests your best guesstimate is likely way off.

    Parents significantly underestimated their teens' social media use -- especially girls' -- during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study showed.

    "Although most parents and their teens spent ...