UW-Health study shows teen moods improve on smartphones

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- New research from the University of Wisconsin shows smartphones may actually help teenagers feel better, especially when listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks on their phones. 

The Pew Research Center says 95% of teens are on social media, and nearly everyone wants to understand the impact on social media has on mental health of kids and young adults, including UW-Health. 

They noticed a lot of research on kids and smartphones were based on surveys, which they say aren't always accurate because it's reflective research and doesn't gather information in the moment. 

Which is why UW-Health studied teens to 13-17 years old, periodically asking them if they're currently on their phones and how they feel.

"We wanted to contribute a new kind of knowledge to this debate, and our finding is a small step in the direction of understanding what's going on in real time in the real world," said Matt Minich, postdoctoral research associate. 

UW-Health says this study did not focus on elements of addiction, but researchers say teens are turning to phones to improve their mood, doesn't mean they're necessarily addicted.