This study surveyed 467 Scottish adolescents and found that those who used social media more frequently, especially at night, experienced poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem, and higher anxiety and depression levels.
Pearson examines the complex evidence surrounding social media and mental health, noting that while associations exist, direct causation remains uncertain. She highlights that self-reported data can be unreliable and acknowledges social media's positive effects for marginalized groups.
Through focus groups with 55 adolescents aged 14-17, this study revealed homogeneity in motives for using social media but significant heterogeneity in emotional responses. The same platform can inspire one teen while causing anxiety in another.
This study of 1,468 Spanish adolescents found that FOMO (fear of missing out) mediates the relationship between anxiety, depression, and excessive social media use, suggesting emotional vulnerabilities drive problematic usage.
An experience-sampling study with 63 Dutch adolescents found no universal effect of social media. While 46% felt better after use, 10% felt worse, and 44% experienced no change, highlighting individual differences.
Goldfus argues that "compare-and-despair" behaviors on social media are tied to rising rates of loneliness and anxiety. He suggests therapeutic interventions like hypnotherapy can help teens develop healthier relationships with social media.
Based on surveys and interviews with 569 U.S. adolescents, Weinstein describes social media's impact as a "see-saw" where positive and negative emotions coexist. Teens can simultaneously feel connected yet isolated, inspired yet inadequate.