Adolescent Social Media Use Research Articles

U.S. Adolescents’ daily social media use and well-being: Exploring the role of addiction-like social media use

ABSTRACT Associations between adolescent social media use and well-being are inconclusive, and studies using rigorous methodologies and objective measures are needed. Additionally, attention on what individual differences may moderate linkages between social media and well-being is necessary. We tested 1) how daily social media use (assessed via objective-reports and self-reports during an ecological momentary assessment period) relates to daily subjective well-being, 2) the prevalence and concordance between scholar-defined addiction-like social media use (ASMU) and participant perceptions of social media addiction, 3) how these constructs relate to subjective well-being, and 4) if these constructs moderate daily links between social media use and subjective well-being. In a sample of 103 adolescents (M age = 16.48, 47% female), ASMU and perceived addiction were highly correlated but some adolescents’ classification differed when cross-referencing. Both were similarly associated with demographics and depressive symptoms. Self-reported, but not objectively-recorded, social media use was related to greater ASMU and perceived addiction. Links between social media use and well-being were inconsistent, with no moderation by ASMU or perceived addiction. Most adolescents endorsed some degree of ASMU, and future research should examine how social media-triggered disruptions to daily functioning relates to well-being.

Impact of Social Media Use, Social Comparison & Self-Esteem Among Adolescents

The present research examined how social media, social comparison, and self-esteem affect adolescents. After an extensive literature review, these hypotheses were developed. 1) Social media use, social comparison, and self-esteem among teenagers will be significantly related. 2) Social media use will affect self-esteem among adolescents.3) Adolescent self-esteem will be affected by social comparison.4) Gender will affect adolescent social media use, comparison, and self-esteem of the 249 samples, 153 are female and 96 are male. Survey participants were 14–25 years old. Data were purposively sampled from Faisalabad educational institutions. The findings were assessed using these methods. Participant demographics were collected using a sheet. Adolescent self-esteem was measured with a scale. The Social Comparison scale measured self-comparative behavior. Participants' social media use was measured using a scale. Analyze the data using correlation, regression, and independent sample tests. Findings illuminate individual traits and tendencies.

The Relationship Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Body Esteem: The Mediating Role of Self- Concept Clarity

The Relationship Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Body Esteem: The Mediating Role of Self- Concept Clarity

Perceived functions and importance of digital media use and adolescent depression and suicidal ideation.

Although social media (SM) use is nearly ubiquitous among adolescents, there is a lack of clarity concerning the relationship between SM use and mental health outcomes like depression and suicidal ideation (SI), which increase during adolescence. Much of the previous literature has focused on the frequency of SM use; however, the current study examined the relationship between the perceived importance of three types of interactions and functions of SM use and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. A sample of 4057 adolescents (M age = 14.6; 47.0% girls; 69.0% Non-Hispanic/Latine White) were recruited via an online survey manager between February and March 2019. Participants completed the Adolescent Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) Scale, which assessed the perceived importance of bridging online and offline experiences (bridging), going outside one's identity or offline experience (identity), and facilitating social connections (social). Participants also completed measures of depressive symptoms and SI and a self-report measure of SM use. A series of path analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between bridging, identity, social, and depressive symptoms and SI. After accounting for covariates (gender identity, racial identity, age, and SM use), bridging was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas identity was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Bridging and social connection were negatively associated with SI, whereas identity was positively associated with SI. Gender moderated these relationships; however, racial identity did not. The results highlight the importance of understanding adolescent SM use beyond screen time in relation to depression and SI.

Adolescent Social Media Use through a Self-Determination Theory Lens: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Social media is an integral part of adolescents' lives and has a strong influence on development and wellbeing. Research examining adolescent social media use and wellbeing is confusing as findings are inconsistent, inconclusive and contradictory. To address this issue, digital wellbeing scholars recommend that researchers adopt a theoretical approach with the aim of increasing meaningfulness and applicability of findings. Hence, this review applies self-determination theory to investigate how adolescent social media use supports and thwarts the basic psychological needs of relatedness, autonomy and competence. Satisfaction of all three psychological needs is essential for optimal development and wellbeing. A scoping review was conducted using a systematic search of five databases relating to adolescent social media use. The preferred items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (extension for scoping reviews) was applied resulting in 86 included studies. Adolescent social media use both supports and thwarts relatedness, autonomy and competence. The findings highlighted how different aspects of adolescent social media use (including intra-personal, inter-personal, situational and environmental factors) contribute to the satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs. This review illustrates how social media can be both beneficial and detrimental to satisfying the basic psychological needs of relatedness, autonomy and competence. This is important when considering that if psychological needs are satisfied or frustrated in adolescence, the repercussions can have a cascading effect throughout adulthood. This review identifies gaps in the literature and provides suggestions for future research.

Early Literature on Adolescent Social Media Use, Substance Use, and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Early Literature on Adolescent Social Media Use, Substance Use, and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Probing the digital exposome: associations of social media use patterns with youth mental health

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory highlighting the lack of knowledge about the safety of ubiquitous social media use on adolescent mental health. For many youths, social media use can become excessive and can contribute to frequent exposure to adverse peer interactions (e.g., cyberbullying, and hate speech). Nonetheless, social media use is complex, and although there are clear challenges, it also can create critical new avenues for connection, particularly among marginalized youth. In the current project, we leverage a large nationally diverse sample of adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study assessed between 2019–2020 (N = 10,147, Mage = 12.0, 48% assigned female at birth, 20% Black, 20% Hispanic) to test the associations between specific facets of adolescent social media use (e.g., type of apps used, time spent, addictive patterns of use) and overall mental health. Specifically, a data-driven exposome-wide association was applied to generate digital exposomic risk scores that aggregate the cumulative burden of digital risk exposure. This included general usage, cyberbullying, having secret accounts, problematic/addictive use behavior, and other factors. In validation models, digital exposomic risk explained substantial variance in general child-reported psychopathology, and a history of suicide attempt, over and above sociodemographics, non-social screentime, and non-digital adversity (e.g., abuse, poverty). Furthermore, differences in digital exposomic scores also shed insight into mental health disparities, among youth of color and sexual and gender minority youth. Our work using a data-driven approach supports the notion that digital exposures, in particular social media use, contribute to the mental health burden of US adolescents.

Social Media Use as a Predictor of Positive and Negative Affect: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Adolescents with and without Clinical Depression.

Social media use is common in adolescents, with implications for psychosocial development and the emergence of depression. Yet, little is known about the time-linked connections between social media use and adolescents' affective experiences and how they may differ between depressed and non-depressed youth. We leveraged ecological momentary assessment in adolescents oversampled for current depression to examine (1) associations between social media use and concurrent and later positive and negative affect and (2) sex and presence of a depressive disorder as moderators of these associations. Adolescents aged 14-17 with (n = 48) and without (n = 97) clinical depression, as indicated via clinical interview, reported momentary social media use and positive and negative affect seven times per day for one week. Multilevel modeling indicated that social media use was associated with reduced positive affect both concurrently and at the next assessment. Further, among clinically depressed youth only, social media use was associated with reduced negative affect at the next assessment. Results suggest that social media use may reduce both positive and negative affect, highlighting the nuanced relation between adolescent social media use and emotional health and laying the groundwork for future research to address several open questions.

The Associations Between Social Media Use with Eating Behavior, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Status among Adolescents in DKI Jakarta

Background: Increased adolescent social media use can lead to lower physical activity. In addition, the growth of marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks is inevitable. In short, excessive social media use may negatively impact nutrition problems, eating behavior, and physical activities. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between patterns of social media use and nutrition status, eating behavior, and physical activity among adolescents in DKI Jakarta. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and involved 187 students from public high schools in Jakarta. Data was collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the use of social media questionnaire, and an anthropometric assessment to measure body mass index for age. The statistical analysis used was the chi-square test. Results: No significant association were found between the frequency and duration of social media use and nutrition status. The type of exposure to social media content does not show a significant relationship with nutrition status, eating behavior, and physical activity. However, there were significant associations between frequency (p=0.022) and duration (p=0.003) of social media use and eating behavior. Likewise, there was a significant relationship between frequency (p=0.021) and duration (p=0.005) of social media use with physical activity. Conclusions: Duration and frequency of social media use are associated with riskier eating patterns and lower adolescent physical activity. Therefore, nutrition education in adolescents should also include topics on social media use.

Adolescent social media use: cultivating and constraining competence

ABSTRACT According to self-determination theory competence is a basic psychological need that is crucial for wellbeing. Social contexts strongly influence whether competence is supported or thwarted. Given that social media is a pervasive social context within adolescents’ lives, it can play a crucial role in competence development. Three qualitative methods were used to investigate mid-adolescents’ perspectives of how their social media use impacts competence. Participants included 36 students aged 15 years from four Australian schools. All participants completed a rich picture mapping activity and focus group discussions. A sub-sample of 11 students participated in follow-up interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two overarching themes. The first theme cultivating competence includes sub-themes; enhancing social competencies, mastery experiences and goal accomplishment, and social media expertise. The second theme constraining competence includes sub-themes; ineffectance within the social media environment, interfering with sleep, and hindering learning. Findings demonstrated that social media contributes to today’s adolescents encountering unique experiences with regards to competence development. Furthermore, adolescents’ interactions on social media have broad implications for competence within online and offline realms. This study identifies aspects of social media use that can be targeted to help adolescents engage with social media in ways that cultivate rather than constrain competence.

54.2 Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health: Current Research and Future Directions

54.2 Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health: Current Research and Future Directions

Adolescents and Social Media: Longitudinal Links Between Types of Use, Problematic Use and Internalizing Symptoms.

Studies examining the associations between adolescent social media use and depression/anxiety symptoms show inconsistent results and do not elucidate the direction of associations. Differences in how studies operationalize social media use and consider potential moderating effects of sex and extraversion could contribute to inconsistencies. A distinction has been made between three types of social media use: passive, active and problematic. This study examined longitudinal associations between these types of adolescents' social media use and depression/anxiety symptoms and moderation effects of sex or extraversion. At ages 13 (T1) and 14 (T2), 257 adolescents completed an online questionnaire regarding their depression and anxiety symptoms and problematic social media use as well as three social media use diaries. Cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM) revealed a positive association between problematic use and later anxiety symptoms (β = .16, p = .010). Extraversion moderated the association between active use and anxiety (β = -.14, p = .032). Specifically, active use predicted higher subsequent anxiety symptoms only in adolescents with low to moderate levels of extraversion. No sex moderation was found. While social media use (active or problematic) predicted later anxiety symptoms (but not depression), the reverse was not the case. However, highly extraverted individuals seem to be less vulnerable to potential negative effects of social media use.

APA panel calls for safe, social media use by adolescents

Social media use is a rapidly evolving and growing area of research with implications for many stakeholders (e.g., youth, parents, caregivers, educators, policymakers, practitioners, and members of the technology industry) who share responsibility to ensure adolescents’ well‐being, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) in a statement announcing 10 recommendations for adolescent social media use.

An Investigation of Adolescents' Social Media Use and Self-Perceptions in the Framework of Peer Bullying

The study aims to examine the effect of peer bullying that adolescents are exposed to on their self-perceptions and social media use. The present study that included 198 participants was planned descriptive, relational and cross-sectional. In addition to the personal information form, Adolescent Social Media Use Scale, Child-Adolescent Bullying Scale-9 Short Form and Social Comparison Scale were used to collect the data. SPPS 22.0 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Descriptive data of the research are given with mean and frequency. To analyse the data One-Way ANOVA, t-test, and Bivariate Correlation were used. The mean age of the adolescents included in the study was determined as 15.32 ± 1.03. It was determined that 50% of the participants were men, 79.8% were living in nuclear families and 17.2% were individuals who felt psychologically bad. Besides, it was revealed that the mean score of the adolescents' self-perception scale was 81.96 ± 14.3, the mean score of peer bullying was 19.46 ± 8.39, and the mean score of the adolescent social media scale use was 18.15 ± 6.68. As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that there is a strong and significant relationship between the adolescents' exposure to peer bullying, their self-perceptions, and their use of social media. It has been determined that exposure to peer bullying negatively affects adolescents' self-perceptions and may cause addiction to social media use.

Parental monitoring of adolescent social media use: relations with adolescent mental health and self-perception

Parental monitoring of adolescent social media use: relations with adolescent mental health and self-perception

Adolescent use of social media and associations with sleep patterns across 18 European and North American countries

ObjectiveOver the past decade, concurrent with increasing social media use (SMU), there has been a shift toward poorer sleep among adolescents in many countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-national associations between adolescent SMU and sleep patterns, by comparing 4 different categories of SMU (nonactive, active, intense, and problematic use). Design, setting, and participantsData were from 86,542 adolescents in 18 European and North American countries that participated in the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged study. MeasurementsMixed-effects linear regression models were used to examine cross-national associations between 4 SMU categories and adolescent sleep duration, bedtime and social jetlag derived from self-reported data. ResultsFor all countries combined, nonactive SMU was associated with longer sleep, earlier bedtimes, and less social jetlag, compared to active SMU, although the differences were minor. By comparison, intense and problematic SMU were associated with less sleep and later bedtimes on both school and nonschool days, and greater social jetlag, compared to active SMU. While findings were relatively consistent between countries, some differences were observed, suggesting that the national and cultural context may be important in interpreting results. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that both intense and problematic SMU are associated with poorer sleep patterns in adolescents across most countries. Further research is needed to identify effective policies, programs, and messaging to promote the healthy use of social media and prevent potential negative impacts on adolescent sleep.

Basic Need Satisfaction through Social Media Engagement: A Developmental Framework for Understanding Adolescent Social Media Use

This article provides a theoretical review of how within notions of self-determination theory adolescents’ use of social media can contribute to both the satisfaction and/or frustration of their basic psychological needs and thus contribute to (or impede) their attainment of key developmental goals in adolescence, such as identity formation and peer affiliation, and how these may impact their overall well-being. In this way, this work provides important insights into the motivational (i.e., basic psychological need satisfaction) and developmental (i.e., identity formation and peer affiliation) processes underlying youths’ social media engagement and has important implications for future research, as well as the development of intervention and prevention efforts targeting youth experiencing negative outcomes related to their social media engagement.

Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (NIMH)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 47, Issue 4 p. 8-8 Grants Alerts Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (NIMH) First published: 18 January 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.32821Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume47, Issue419 January 2023Pages 8-8 RelatedInformation

The contributions of gender identification and gender ideologies to the purposes of social media use in adolescence.

Gender differences in adolescent social media use are often documented in the research literature, yet few studies delve into why they occur. Accordingly, we investigated whether gender identification and gender ideologies are associated with five major purposes of social media use in adolescence (emotion and activity bonding with friends, social compensation, appearance validation, and bullying). Participants were 309 cisgender U.S. high school students (Mage = 15.74; 59% girls; 53% white) primarily using Instagram and Snapchat but also TikTok (more popular with girls) and Discord (more popular with boys) in 2019. Girls reported greater use of social media for emotion bonding, appearance validation, and social compensation compared to boys, who reported greater competitive activity bonding. Girls and boys did not differ in their use of social media for bullying. In linear regressions, masculinity ideology predicted purposes associated with girls (appearance validation, social compensation), as well as those associated with boys (competitive activity bonding), regardless of gender. Femininity ideology uniquely predicted emotion bonding and social compensation but only mediated the effect of gender for the latter. Findings illustrate that gender is important for understanding uses and gratifications of social media in adolescence, but traditional masculinity ideology is similar across genders and relates to multiple functions of social media in boys' and girls' lives. More work is needed to conceptualize gender beliefs and values in Gen Z, given recent challenges to gender binary ideology and low reliability of the scales in this study, which were developed before social media.

Adolescent social media use and its association with relationships and connections: Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children, 2017/2018.

The development of healthy relationships and connections is of fundamental importance to adolescent well-being. The use of social media plays a vital role in the lives of young Canadians, yet the association between different types of social media use and the quality of relationships and connections remains unknown, and most existing analyses on this topic are based on modest and non-representative samples. Using 2017/2018 reports from the nationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (n=17,149; ages 11 to 15 years), the strength, consistency and significance of associations was examined between intensive (frequent use to connect with other people) and problematic (use that depicts addictive qualities) social media use and available measures of adolescent relationships and connections. Overall, intensive use (online communication with others almost all of the time) and problematic use (potential addiction to social media) were more common in girls than boys (38% of girls versus 30% of boys and 7.7% of girls versus 5.2% of boys, respectively), with prevalence levels that rose with age. Intensive use was associated with more positive social relationships with friends, especially among girls (relative risk [RR] = 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 - 1.54]), while problematic use was consistently and negatively associated with strong relationships and connections in all groups in the study. Notably, problematic use was negatively associated with strong family relationships in boys (RR = 0.58 [95% CI 0.42 to 0.79]) and girls (RR=0.48 [95% CI 0.36 to 0.63]). Intensive use of social media has the potential to strengthen relationships and connections in adolescents. However, when social media use becomes addictive or "problematic", it is highly correlated with weaker relationships and a sense of social disconnection. Public health initiatives related to social media use should consider how different types of social media use have the potential to impact on different aspects of health.