High Social Media Use among Adolescents Associated with Increased High-Risk Behaviors and Poor Academic Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: With the marked increase in social media apps over the last two decades and teens’ dramatic increase in screen time, research examining the impacts of social media on teenage health outcomes is urgently needed. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent social media use and high-risk behaviors (alcohol use, tobacco, vaping, sexual activity) and academic outcomes (ability to get good grades and complete homework). Methods: 234 adolescents were recruited via convenience sampling at two suburban/rural clinics. A survey assessed hours of social media use, participation in high-risk behaviors, and impact on academic outcomes. Variables were recoded into bivariate categories and multiple logistic regressions were conducted using SPSS, controlling for age, gender, race, and insurance status. Results: High users of social media (4+ hours/day) were 3.4 and 3.0 times more likely to use alcohol (p<0.05) and tobacco (p<0.01), respectively. Highusers were also 3.2 and 3.0 times more likely to report that their social media use impacted their ability to get good/acceptable grades (p<0.01) and complete homework (p<0.01), respectively. Conclusions: High levels of social media use were associated with increased likelihood of alcohol and tobacco use and had a negative effect on youth’s academic performance. Screening of adolescent social media use will better identify youth at risk for potentially harmful effects of excess social media use, allowing providers to intervene with the proper education for youth and their guardians.