Social Costs of Social Media
📚 Research Foundation & Methodology
Every parameter in this calculator is backed by peer-reviewed research and federal agency methodologies. Explore the evidence base behind each calculation.
Research Parameters
☠️ Mortality Costs
🧠 Mental Health Costs
💰 Economic Costs
Research Outcomes
Cost Breakdown
📈 Cost Component Progression Since 2009
📊 Cost Composition
🔓 This Research is Open Source
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📚 Research Foundation
Our calculations draw from peer-reviewed research showing:
- • Each hour of social media use → 0.23-point increase in depressive symptoms (PNAS, 2019)
- • Economic burden of depression rose to $326B (2020 USD) (Springer 2021)
- • Workplace costs account for 61%, suicide-related costs ~4% (Springer 2021)
- • Incremental societal burden reached $333.7B total (Greenberg et al. 2021)
⚠️ Research Context
Methodology
- • Quasi-experimental studies (natural experiments)
- • Conservative estimates from peer-reviewed research
- • WHO Global Burden of Disease methodology
- • Federal agency VSL guidance (US DOT)
Key Findings
- • Each hour of social media → 0.23-point increase in depression
- • Teen depression: 10.7% (2007) → 32% (2021)
- • Facebook college rollout as natural experiment
- • 50+ peer-reviewed studies inform calculations
Transparency Note: Results are illustrative estimates based on conservative assumptions. Click info buttons (ℹ️) for detailed research citations and parameter ranges.
🌱 Digital Wellness Resources
Evidence-based tools and organizations working toward healthier technology use.
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