In a new set of studies conducted by the University of Houston and Palo Alto University, a correlation has been found between the use of Facebook and depressive symptoms.

Both studies provide evidence that people feel depressed after spending a great deal of time on Facebook because they feel badly when comparing themselves to others.

“It doesn’t mean Facebook causes depression, but that depressed feelings and lots of time on Facebook and comparing oneself to others tend to go hand-in-hand,” researcher Mai-Ly Steers said in a news release.

Due to the advent of social media, social comparisons have become more prevalent in modern culture as more opportunities for comparison become available.

“This research and previous research indicates the act of socially comparing oneself to others is related to long-term destructive emotions. Any benefit gained from making social comparisons is temporary and engaging in frequent social comparison of any kind may be linked to lower well-being,” Steers said.

For more information, the study can be read here.