Facebook Use Puts Girls at Risk of Depression

New data shows that girls who spend long periods on sites such as Facebook, Twitter or MySpace are far more likely to dislike their body and their weight.

The university research – which surveyed 1,096 girls aged between 12 and 16 – found that 40 per cent were dissatisfied with their bodies, and half were terrified of gaining weight. Dr Amy Slater, who undertook the research alongside Professor Marika Tiggemann – both from the School of Psychology at Flinders University, Australia – said that the results showed a worrying correlation.