University study warns excessive social media use may harm students’ mental health [SOUND]

# A new University of the Western Cape study indicates that spending too much time on social media and smartphones may affect students’ mental health. According to researchers, students who spent more time on social media were more likely to show symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The university’s Anita Padmanabhanunni urges universities to encourage healthier smartphone habits and raise awareness of the mental health risks of excessive use: