New research suggests that smartphones may bethe worst thing to turn to for relief when you're depressed.

Researchers at Michigan State University found that people who substitute electronic interaction for the real-life human kind find little if any satisfaction.

"The research bears out that despite all the advances we've made, there is still a place for meaningful, face-to-face interaction," researcher Prabu David said in a statement. "The mobile phone can do a range of things that simulate human interaction. It seduces us into believing it's real, but the fact remains it's still synthetic."

For the study, researchers examined two pathways for habitual use of a smartphone: To either pass the time or entertain, or to alleviate feelings of sadness or depression by seeking out others.

They found that face-to-face interaction can buffer the negative effects of heavy mobile phone use.

David said using mobile devices for relief can cause trouble.

"This suggests that problematic use of mobile phone is fueled in part by the purposeful or deliberate use of the mobile phone to relieve or alleviate negative feelings whereas habitual or ritualistic use to pass time is not strongly associated with it," David said.

David and the his colleagues agree that using a mobile phone in moderation -- to stay in touch with family or friends, for example -- is not a bad thing. But don't let it replace real human interaction.

"If you have a chance to see someone face-to-face, take it," David said. "Life is short."

The findings are detailed in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.