Scrolling into silence: Social media engagement and its linkage to affective disorders among 10-14 years old in Austria

Findings from the 2023 YRBSS: Examining the risk factors of social media use, alcohol use, bullying and adolescent suicide.

Prolonged time spent on social media use (SMU) can negatively impact mental health. The present experimental and longitudinal study (randomized controlled trial design, RCT) on social media (SM) users in Germany ( N total = 443) investigated how to reduce this negative effect. For 14 days, the SM group ( N = 124) reduced its daily SMU by 30 minutes, the mindfulness group ( N = 100) engaged daily in mindfulness exercises, the combination group ( N = 115) followed both interventions, and the control group ( N = 104) did not change its behavior. Online surveys assessed SMU-related variables and mental health-related variables at six measurement time points (baseline, intermediate, post-intervention, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up). The three experimental conditions resulted in a significant decrease of fear of missing out (FoMO), SM flow, addictive SMU, and stress symptoms. The reduction of SMU time and its combination with mindfulness exercises contributed to a decrease of depressive symptoms and an increase of life satisfaction and positive mental health. Many of the positive effects were stronger in the long-term than in the short-term. Moreover, for most investigated variables, the positive effects were stronger in the combination group than in the single condition groups, especially in the long-term. The present findings reveal that a combination of a conscious and controlled reduction of daily SMU time and the engagement in mindfulness exercises could serve as a time- and cost-efficient low-threshold intervention in public mental health programs and therapeutic context.

Beyond the scroll: Unmasking the simultaneous role of psychosomatic and stressors behind social media users’ disempowerment and disengagement

High suicide rates pose a serious public health concern across many countries worldwide. This trend has occurred alongside an increase in addictive social media use (SMU). The present longitudinal study investigated the relationship between suicide-related outcomes and addictive SMU and the mechanisms that could underlie their association across three adult groups: younger adults (18-34years), middle-aged adults (35-64years) and older adults (65years and older). Data of 3067 social media (SM) users (younger group: N=294, middle-aged group: N=2062, older group: N=711) from the German general population were collected via online surveys at three measurement time points over six months (baseline, BL; four-month follow-up, FU1; six-month follow-up, FU2). The present findings revealed that addictive SMU (BL), depressive symptoms (FU1) and suicide-related outcomes (FU2) were significantly higher in the younger group than in the middle-aged and the older group, and they were significantly higher in the middle-aged group than in the older group. In each group, the three investigated variables were significantly positively correlated. Moreover, depressive symptoms (FU1) mediated the link between addictive SMU (BL) and suicide-related outcomes (FU2). Thus, persons of all ages could be at risk for suicide-related outcomes when they engage in excessive SMU and experience depressive symptoms. Practical implications for preventing suicide-related outcomes in the digital age are discussed.

Improving our understanding of how demographic and drug use factors shape social media drug market engagement is integral to targeting harm reduction and prevention responses to high-risk drug use and digital harm. To identify demographics and drug use patterns that correlate with using specific social media platforms to purchase drugs. An anonymous online survey of New Zealanders who use drugs (N = 10,781) was used to explore social media drug purchasing. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify demographic and drug use correlates of using Facebook/Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram or high security apps (Telegram, Signal, Wickr) to purchase drugs. Sixteen percent reported purchasing drugs via social media (n = 1731). Facebook/Messenger was most used (54.2 %), followed by Snapchat (47.5), Instagram (24.7) and high security apps (17.6). Respondents aged under 30 were more likely to report using Snapchat and less likely to report using Facebook/Messenger or high security apps. Snapchat purchasers were more likely to be Asian, students, use MDMA/ecstasy and cocaine, and purchase via "friends/family". High security app purchasers were more likely to identify as male, reside in urban areas, use methamphetamine, psychedelics and cocaine, and purchase from a "drug dealer". Facebook/Messenger purchasers were more likely to report a low income, reside in small town/rural area; and purchase from "gang members", "drug dealers" and "friends/family". Instagram purchasers were more likely to report cocaine use and purchasing from "friends/family". Use of social media apps for drug buying are influenced by demographics (mainly age), drug market contexts, and drug type used.

Understanding the key domains of adolescent social media experience: a parallel Delphi study with young people and key adults

438. Undistracted Minds: High Social Media Use and ADHD Symptoms in Adolescents Are Linked to Dysconnectivity in Frontoparietal and Dorsal Attention Networks

Chasing the "Like": High FoMO elevates P300 responses to positive social feedback.

Social media have become a powerful influence on how travelers make decisions, shape perceptions, and choose destinations in the Philippines, particularly Baguio City. This study examined how social media platforms affect tourism by exploring how online promotions influence expectations, trust, emotional connection, and travel intentions toward the city. Anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Expectation Confirmation Theory, the research used a qualitative descriptive approach through semi-structured interviews and observation. Fifteen tourists (15) aged eighteen (18) and above who had visited Baguio City and actively used social media for travel information were purposively selected, with data gathered at Mines View Park, the Botanical Garden, and The Mansion. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically to identify common patterns in social media use and decision-making. Findings revealed that social media strongly shapes how Baguio City is marketed and perceived, with TikTok emerging as the most influential platform due to its short, authentic, and visually engaging travel content. Facebook served as a trusted information source by offering community feedback, reviews, and travel guidance, while Instagram mainly provided visual inspiration with less impact on final decisions. Tourists showed strong trust in user-generated content, especially honest reviews and real travel experiences, which helped set realistic expectations. Most participants shared that their actual experiences matched what they saw online, resulting in satisfaction, emotional attachment, and positive word-of-mouth. Overall, the study highlights social media as a dynamic tourism marketing tool that builds trust, strengthens visitor satisfaction, and supports the continued growth and appeal of Baguio City.

Marketing Across Generations: A “University Social Media Video Competition” Teaching Innovation

Abstract Background Everyday digital technologies such as social media, gaming, and internet use are deeply integrated into the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults. While these platforms can foster connection, learning, and entertainment, concerns have grown about their potential to influence mental, physical, and social well-being. Research on this topic has expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet much of it remains cross-sectional, limiting insights into long-term outcomes. Longitudinal studies are essential to capture evolving patterns of digital engagement, identify causal relationships, and guide effective policies and interventions that support youth in navigating digital environments. In particular, evidence is needed to distinguish between beneficial and harmful forms of digital engagement, such as social connection versus problematic use, and to understand how these impacts differ across diverse populations and contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated young people’s technology use, underscoring the urgency of examining both risks and opportunities. This review, therefore, synthesizes longitudinal research to map trends, identify knowledge gaps, and inform future directions. Objective The study aimed to systematically identify and map longitudinal studies examining associations between everyday digital technology use (eg, social media, gaming, and internet use) and the health and well-being of youth (25 years or younger) and to chart the types of evidence available by technology category, outcomes, and geographical setting in order to highlight key gaps for future research. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycArticles (2014‐2024) was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). Data extraction covered demographics, digital technology categories, and health outcomes. Studies were grouped into 6 key themes: social media use and mental health, digital addiction and behavioral outcomes, physical activity and digital technology, digital health technologies and cognitive development, parental influence and digital technology, and digital well-being and risk behaviors. Results Of the 456 studies identified, 267 were longitudinal studies relevant to our research aims. Internet use (n=201 studies), social media (n=140 studies), and gaming (n=83 studies) dominated the themes. Mental health was the most frequently assessed outcome, with a focus on anxiety and depression. Geographically, 15% (40/267) of studies originated from low- and middle-income countries, with the majority from high-income settings such as the United States (n=76 studies) and Australia (n=15 studies). Nearly half (131/267, 49%) were published post 2020, reflecting heightened interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Longitudinal evidence on everyday digital technology use and youth health is growing but remains concentrated in mental health outcomes and high-income settings, with notable gaps in physical health, educational outcomes, and equity-focused research. These findings highlight the need for more diverse, methodologically robust longitudinal studies to inform context-sensitive policies and interventions that balance the risks and benefits of digital engagement for young people.

Most adolescents engage with social media in some capacity and the majority of research has focused on negative impacts of social media on adolescent development. However, adolescents use social media in ways that might contribute to positive youth development, as described by Lerner's (2012) Positive Youth Development framework. The current study examined the longitudinal associations between positive social media use and positive outcomes in adolescence (life satisfaction, self-compassion, prosocial behavior, grit, empathy, optimism, and hope). Participants included 967 adolescents (49% male, 42% white) who completed online surveys at two-time points, approximately 1 year apart. Data was analyzed using a cross-lagged structural equation model. Positive social media use was associated with all positive adolescent outcomes 1 year later, even when controlling for initial levels. Only early prosocial behavior was related to later positive social media use, suggesting that positive social media use may play a stronger role in shaping these behaviors than vice versa Time spent on social media was related to lower levels of positive youth outcomes over time. Overall, these findings indicate that positive social media use may contribute to positive youth development. This study has implications for youth, educators, parents, policymakers, and those involved in the social media industry.

ABSTRACT For democratic societies, forums of political discussions are needed to exchange opinions which nowadays can be found in social media. Still, in line with theoretical assumptions of the privacy calculus, benefits of political expression in social media also come with risks of privacy invasions, both affecting people’s expression behavior. To better understand the longitudinal between- and within-person dynamics of anticipating costs and benefits when expressing political opinions online, this study uses a three-wave-longitudinal survey to analyze the reciprocal relationships between privacy concerns, political expression, as well as expected cost and benefits in social media. Results indicated that when individuals are more concerned than usual about data collection by companies or governments (i.e. vertical privacy concerns), they express political opinions less frequently. In contrast, heightened concerns about misuse by other social media users (i.e. horizontal privacy concerns) are associated with more frequent political expression. In terms of users’ weighing of costs and benefits, we found that while frequent opinion expressors see the benefit of persuading others in social media, non-expressors are inhibited by assuming that their opinion expression might be a waste of time. This suggests that people’s political expression online is not solely driven by abstract privacy concerns but by very specific worries about who will use their opinionated message and with which consequences.

ABSTRACT Despite the widespread use of social media among adolescents, there has been limited research on its impact on risky sexual behaviors, which can have long-lasting consequences, especially for young girls. This study investigated the link between social media use and risky sexual behaviors among female adolescents. Participants (n = 5,468) were high school girls who reported their social media use and risky sexual behaviors in the 2023 Youth Behavior Risk Survey. Chi-squared tests and log-binomial regression models were used for analysis, with a sensitivity analysis performed using the same approach in SAS 9.4 (p < .05). Frequent social media users were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and reported a higher number of such behaviors compared to non-frequent users. This association between social media use and risky sexual behaviors reinforces the need for systemic interventions within schools, like school-based media literacy programs and comprehensive sex education, and intervention from school counselors. This study provides valuable insights for school counselors and shares CBT, ACT, and mindfulness skills to help adolescents challenge distorted beliefs and build resilience.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether exposure to esthetic content aligned with beauty standards on social media mediates the relationship between a history of childhood/adolescent sexual abuse and bulimic symptomatology in adolescents, and whether sex moderates these pathways. Participants were 283 secondary school students (52.6% female) from Chimbote, aged 13 to 17 years (M = 15.2, SD = 1.14). The following instruments were administered: the sexual abuse dimension of the CTQ-FC, the bulimia dimension of the EAT-26, and an ad hoc questionnaire assessing exposure to esthetic content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The results showed a moderate total effect of childhood/adolescent sexual abuse history on bulimic symptoms (β = .38, p < .001). Exposure to esthetic content on social media predicted higher bulimic symptomatology (Facebook [β = .24, p < .01] and TikTok [β = .17, p < .05]), and childhood/adolescent sexual abuse history significantly predicted greater Instagram use (β = .22, p < .01). However, indirect effects through the platforms did not reach statistical significance in the total sample or in sex-stratified analyses (female-male). It was concluded that, although social media use is associated with bulimia and childhood/adolescent sexual abuse history predicts increased symptoms, esthetic content on social media does not function as a significant mediator in this relationship, nor does sex moderate the pathways of the model. Interpretations are discussed within trauma theory and biopsychosocial frameworks, as well as implications for prevention and clinical intervention.

ABSTRACT Eveningness has been associated with less physical activity, increased mobile phone use, and a tendency toward procrastination. The current study aimed to examine the relationships between components of circadian functioning, social media addiction, and exercise procrastination, focusing on whether social media addiction mediates the link between eveningness and exercise procrastination. A sample of 517 participants aged 18–75 completed a survey consisting of the Morningness-Eveningness-Stability Scale improved (MESSi), the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and the Procrastination in Exercise Scale (PiES), and questions on physical activity, sitting time, and social media use. Eveningness and Distinctness (amplitude of diurnal variations) were found to be positively associated with social media addiction, exercise procrastination, and more sitting, and negatively associated with amount of exercise. Higher Morning Affect (alertness upon awakening) showed the opposite pattern of associations. The mediation analysis revealed that social media addiction partially mediated the relationship between eveningness and exercise procrastination; morning affect was also found to be a mediator. These findings provide an insight into relationships between circadian functioning, problematic use of social media, and exercise procrastination, which may inform interventions to promote health-related behaviours.

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of social media use on mental fatigue, motor performance, and motor learning in adolescents aged 11 to 14 years. A total of 108 participants were randomly assigned to a Fatigue group, who used social media on their smartphones for 30 minutes, or a Control group, who watched a neutral movie for the same duration. Both groups practiced an underhand dart-throwing task and performed pre-test, post-test, 24-hour retention and transfer assessments. Mental fatigue was measured using a visual analog scale before and after the fatigue protocol and following practice. Results showed that social media use significantly increased subjective mental fatigue compared with the control condition; however, this increase did not impair motor performance or learning. Both groups improved performance during practice and maintained their skill during retention. Additional analyses revealed that changes in perceived mental fatigue during practice were unrelated to performance improvement. We conclude that, although social media use induces mental fatigue in adolescents, it does not negatively affect the acquisition or retention of a discrete motor skill.

This research is motivated by the low character of students at SMA Negeri 1 X Koto Singkarak which is allegedly influenced by the use of TikTok social media. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of TikTok social media use on the character of grade XI students at SMA Negeri 1 X Koto Singkarak. This type of research is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The research population is 183 students in grade XI for the 2024/2025 school year, with the cluster random sampling technique a sample of 65 people was obtained. The data analysis technique used is simple linear regression. The results of the study showed that the use of TikTok social media had a positive and significant effect on students' character with a contribution of 11.7%. The calculated t value of 2.885 is greater than the t of table 1.669 at a significance level of 0.05, so the hypothesis is accepted. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the use of TikTok social media has an influence on students' characters. The suggestion for students is to be able to manage the time of using TikTok social media so that they are more focused on learning and wiser in utilizing social media.

The use of social media as a source of information before purchasing, especially by Generation Z and Millennials who dominate the Indonesian local skincare market, requires brands to manage Social Media Marketing Activities effectively in order to influence Purchase Intention amidst the dynamics of rapidly changing digital trends. This study aims to analyze the influence of Social Media Marketing Activities on Purchase Intention with Relationship Quality, Brand Awareness, and Perceived Value of Generation Z and Millennial consumers in the Indonesian local skincare industry. This study uses a quantitative approach with a dare survey method to 207 respondents of social media users in the Jabodetabek area who have seen or engaged such as following, liking, commenting, or sharing social media content from local Indonesian skincare accounts, namely Somethinc, Azarine, Wardah. The analysis technique uses the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) method through SmartPLS 4 software. The results of this study indicate that Social Media Marketing Activity, Relationship Quality, Brand Awareness, and Perceived Value have a significant positive effect on Purchase Intention. These findings provide insight into the importance of social media marketing activities that can build emotional bonds, enhance brand recognition, and shape perceived value, thus increasing purchase intention. Companies are advised to strengthen perceived value through content that demonstrates superior product value and responsive interactions on social media to increase purchase intention.