Most news about the effects of computer, phone, and TV screens on our mental and physical health is discouraging — our electronic devices are addictive, make us unhappy, and keep us sedentary. But Cleveland Clinic Wellness reports on a study with positive findings:

Among older adults, video chatting one-on-one with friends and family may help to prevent depression. Feelings of social isolation are common among older adults, who may be retired and have family living far away, and depression can result. Researchers asked nearly 1,500 people over age 60 about their use of several forms of electronic communication: email, social media, instant messaging, and video chatting. After two years, participants were surveyed about symptoms of depression. Those who had used email, social media, and instant messaging to communicate had about the same rate of depression symptoms as those who used no electronic communication at all. But those who used video chatting had roughly half the rate of symptoms. It may be that seeing the faces of people we love, even indirectly, is more powerful than exchanging electronic communication.

As the report notes, “Spending face-to-face time with the people you love is ideal, but when that’s not possible, consider staying connected via video.” It does feel good to see faces you care about, so give it a shot when you’re feeling down!