That's a great question that highlights the difference between correlation and causation.
While the research you mentioned shows a correlation between excessive social media use (over 3 hours per day) and increased anxiety, it doesn't necessarily mean that reducing social media use *causes* a reduction in anxiety.
Here's why:
* **Other factors:** Many other things could contribute to both excessive social media use and anxiety. For example, people who are already prone to anxiety might be more likely to seek solace in social media, leading to a cycle of increased use and heightened feelings.
* **Reverse causation:** It's also possible that anxiety leads to increased social media use. People feeling anxious might turn to social media for distraction or to compare themselves to others, further exacerbating their anxiety.
* **Confounding variables:** There could be other underlying factors influencing both variables. For instance, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, or stressful life events could contribute to both increased social media use and anxiety.
**So, can we say reducing social media use *will* reduce anxiety?** Not definitively. More research is needed to establish a causal link.
However, the correlation does suggest that **reducing social media use *could* be a helpful strategy for managing anxiety**, alongside other proven methods like therapy, exercise, and mindfulness.
It's important to listen to your own body and mind. If you notice that spending too much time on social media is negatively impacting your mental health, consider taking steps to reduce your usage and see if it makes a difference.