Religion is Better for Mental Health
An Israeli study reveals that the meaning of life and moderation in the use of social networks play a crucial role in mental health, beyond religious practice alone.
Assessment
A new Israeli study claims religious belief boosts mental health, but the real mechanism may be simpler: meaning in life and reduced social media use. The finding suggests that what looks like a religious effect could be a lifestyle effect. Watch for whether critics challenge the study's ability to separate correlation from causation, especially given the strong cultural overlap between religiosity and offline community in Israel.