As conversations around mental health take center stage during Mental Health Awareness Month, Dar Meshi, associate professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, has published a commentary in Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.
In the commentary, Meshi addresses what he describes as a critical gap in how the medical community is responding to concerns around social media use. His commentary calls on the American Psychiatric Association to take clearer action on the concept of “social media addiction,” an issue that continues to gain attention in both research and public discourse.
“Without formal recognition or guidance from the American Psychiatric Association, we risk leaving major societal questions in the hands of individuals without the necessary clinical expertise,” Meshi said.
Founded in 1869, Nature is a leading international, peer-reviewed publication that features research and commentary across science and technology.
Rather than focusing solely on emerging research, Meshi’s piece highlights the broader implications of inaction — particularly as debates about social media’s effects increasingly move into legal and public arenas. He points to ongoing cases involving companies like Meta Platforms, where questions about addiction are being weighed by juries rather than guided by established clinical standards.
The commentary reflects Meshi’s ongoing work at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience and digital media, and underscores the growing relevance of communication scholarship in shaping conversations about technology and society.
By publishing in Nature, Meshi brings this issue to a global scientific audience, elevating both the conversation around social media use and the role of communication research in addressing complex public health challenges.
By Claire Dippel