OpenSAT

Question #N543

A new study has been published in the journal *Nature* that claims that the use of social media is linked to a decline in mental well-being. The study tracked the amount of time that a sample of 500 people spent using social media each day and correlated that data to their levels of anxiety and depression. The researchers found that people who spent more than two hours a day using social media had a higher likelihood of reporting anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those who spent less than two hours a day on social media.

Which of the following is a likely criticism of this study?

A. The study does not address whether the use of social media is a cause or a result of a decline in mental well-being.

B. The study does not take into account the age, gender, or socioeconomic background of the participants.

C. The study does not provide information about how people use social media, such as whether they use it for professional or personal reasons.

D. The study does not include a control group of people who do not use social media.

Reveal Answer Go Back

Correct Answer is: A

The study only shows a correlation between social media use and mental well-being, but it does not establish a causal relationship. It is possible that people who are already struggling with mental health issues are more likely to spend more time on social media, rather than the other way around. To establish a causal link, the researchers would need to conduct a study that controls for other factors that could be contributing to mental health issues.