Faith, purpose, and healthier digital habits linked to better mental health
Religiosity was linked with fewer mental health and addiction problems, but much of that advantage was tied to a stronger sense of purpose and healthier digital habits. People reporting more meaning in life, less social media use, and less exposure to graphic or hateful online content generally showed lower psychological vulnerability. Because the study captured one period in time, it cannot prove cause and effect, but the findings identify potentially changeable factors that deserve further study. Religiosity has often been linked with better mental health, but the protection may have less to do with religious identity itself. An Israeli study points instead to meaning in life and digital habits, raising a broader question about resilience. Religious and ultra-Orthodox participants generally reported fewer problems involving substance use, behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress than secular and traditional participants. They also reported a stronger sense of meaning, less social media use, and less exposure to harmful online material. “Our findings suggest that religiosity itself is not the whole story,” said Dr. Aaron D. Cherniak. “Much of …
