# Professor Jonathan Haidt explains why he believes social media is a contributor to the recent rise in teen mental health problems

1 Faculty News February 10, 2020 ![](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_034327.gif?itok=esAh-FJ5)>

Excerpt from [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00296-x?utm_source=twt_nv&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=newsandviews) -- "A sudden increase in the rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm was seen in adolescents — particularly girls — in the United States and the United Kingdom around 2012 or 2013 (see go.nature.com/2up38hw). Only one suspect was in the right place at the right time to account for this sudden change: social media."

[Read More](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00296-x?utm_source=twt_nv&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=newsandviews)