Social media use linked to inflammation levels, study finds

In a newly published study from the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, researchers have uncovered a surprising connection: Individuals with higher levels of inflammation, as evidenced by a marker known as C-reactive protein, tend to use social media more frequently.

Historically, inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions, ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis.

On a psychological level, prior research has suggested that systemic inflammation might influence behavior — particularly social affiliations, which makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint.