A Large-Scale Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey study.
PubMed 28085574 · doi:10.1177/0956797616678438
What was done
Researchers conducted a preregistered analysis of survey data from a representative sample of 120,115 English adolescents to evaluate the association between digital-screen time and mental well-being across weekday and weekend use.
What was found
The relationship between digital-screen time and mental well-being was best characterized by quadratic functions, with patterns varying between weekday and weekend use. The abstract does not report numerical values, effect sizes, or specific inflection points.
Why it matters
The results support the Goldilocks hypothesis, indicating that moderate digital technology engagement is not intrinsically harmful to adolescent well-being and may be beneficial.
Limits
The abstract provides no numerical data, confidence intervals, or specific hourly thresholds. As an observational cross-sectional study relying on self-reports, it cannot determine causality.