New study finds a majority of younger men spend an unhealthy amount of time on social media, significantly impacting their mental health

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire New study finds a majority of younger men spend an unhealthy amount of time on social media, significantly impacting their mental healthAuthor of the article:More than doubles the risk of having moderate to high anxiety (54% vs. 23%); Almost triples the risk for moderate to severe depression (39% vs. 14%); More than triples the risk of problem anger (38% vs. 12%); Triples the risk of suicidal ideation (30% vs. 10%). GNWVANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Latest research shows more than half of young Canadian men spend over 3 hours a day on social media which significantly increases their risk of poor mental health.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe national survey of 2,000 Canadian men, conducted by the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation and Intensions Consulting, found:More than half (53%) of Canadian men aged 19-44 report using social media more than 3 hours a dayBuilding on previous academic research, this study confirms that social media use of more than 3 hours a day negatively impacts Canadian men’s mental health as it: More than doubles the risk of having moderate to high anxiety (54% vs. 23%);Almost triples the risk for moderate to severe depression (39% vs. 14%);More than triples the risk of problem anger (38% vs. 12%);Triples the risk of suicidal ideation (30% vs. 10%).This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“This latest research provides a sobering lens on the negative impact of social media at a time when we are struggling to feel connected to our communities,” says Kenton Boston, President and CEO of CMHF. “By keeping informed with what affects them on a day-to-day basis, we’re able to tailor our programs to the specific needs of real men in their real lives.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againAbout Canadian Men’s Health FoundationThe Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national charity working towards a future wheremen are supported to live longer, healthier lives. We offer services like free counselling for men nationwide along with expert-backed resources so no man feels alone. Learn more: mensheatlhfoundation.caAbout the StudyThe Intensions Consulting study was conducted in Canada between April 8 and 14, 2026. The sample was stratified to ensure its composition reflected the underlying distribution of the population as determined by 2021 Census data. The online survey was administered in French and English and used validated measures, including time spent on social media (Riehm, et. al. 2019), the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Dimensions of Anger Reactions (DAR-5), and the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). A traditional probability sample of comparable size would have produced results considered accurate to within plus or minus 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.For media inquiries please contact Taylor at: taylor.bruce@menshealthfoundation.caRiehm, K.E., Feder, K.A., Tormohlen, K.N., et al. Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019;76(12): 1266–1273.doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2325This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.