Analyzing Causation in Social Media's Mental Health Debate

In a recent documentary, a filmmaker argued that social media platforms are responsible for a decline in mental health among teenagers. The filmmaker points to several studies showing a correlation between increased social media use and rising rates of anxiety and depression in this age group. To support this claim, the filmmaker highlights interviews with mental health professionals who express concern over the pressures teenagers face online, including cyberbullying and the need for social validation.

However, critics of the documentary argue that correlation does not imply causation, suggesting that other factors, such as academic pressure or family issues, might also contribute to mental health problems among teenagers. The filmmaker responds by asserting that social media is uniquely pervasive in the lives of adolescents today and warrants increased attention to its potential impacts.