Adolescent social media user types and their mental health and well-being: Results from a longitudinal survey of 13-14-year-olds in the United Kingdom

Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization as Risk Factors for Self-Harm: Results From a Longitudinal Cohort Study of 13-14-Year-Olds in England

PURPOSE

Cyberbullying is a crucial issue that affects adolescent mental health, with evidence to suggest that adolescents who are victims of cyberbullying are at higher risk for self-harm. However, longitudinal evidence is lacking, meaning the direction of effects cannot be established. This study investigated longitudinal associations between levels of cyberbullying involvement (bully, victim, or both), frequency, and self-harm a year later in an adolescent sample.

METHODS

Data were collected from Year 9 students (13-14-year-olds; N = 1,195) enrolled in 19 schools in Southwest England using an online questionnaire with a 1-year follow-up period (October 2019-October 2020). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to test for associations between different levels of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and the likelihood of self-harm a year later, adjusting for key covariates. A secondary regression analysis also explored the associations between the frequency of cyberbullying involvement at baseline and subsequent self-harm.

RESULTS

Compared to those with no cyberbullying involvement, individuals who were both victims and perpetrators (adjusted odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-4.34) as well as victims only (adjusted odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.95-4.04) showed an increased risk of subsequent self-harm. In terms of frequency, associations were found between frequent and occasional cyberbullying and self-harm for both victims and perpetrators; however, associations for the perpetrator group attenuated to the null following adjustment for covariates.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlight cyberbullying in early adolescence as a risk factor for subsequent self-harm. Cyberbullying prevention should be a priority for school mental health interventions, with consideration that most perpetrators of cyberbullying may also be victims.

The impact of COVID-19 on the peer relationships of adolescents around the world: A rapid systematic review

The main objective of this rapid systematic review was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted peer relationships for adolescents (10-25 years of age) around the globe. We focused on four indices of peer relationships: (1) loneliness, (2) social connectedness, (3) social support, and (4) social media use. In addition, we examined gender and age differences. Four databases (APA PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for articles published from January 2020 to November 2022. A total of 96 studies (cross-sectional: n = 66, longitudinal: n = 30, quantitative: n = 67, qualitative: n = 12, mixed-methods: n = 17) met our inclusion criteria (empirical observational studies with data on at least one of the indices of interest, cross-sectional data on COVID-19-related experiences or longitudinal data collected during the pandemic, age range of 10-25 years, typically developing adolescents). We extracted data and conducted a narrative synthesis. Findings suggest that COVID-19 disruptions negatively impacted peer relationships for youth. Most studies reported either an increase in loneliness over the course of the pandemic or a positive association between loneliness and COVID-19-related experiences. Similar findings were observed for increased social media use as a means of continued communication and connection. Fewer studies focused on social support but those that did reported a decrease or negative association with COVID-19-related experiences. Lastly, findings suggest a mixed impact on social connectedness, which might be due to the strengthening of closer ties and weakening of more distant relationships. Results for gender differences were mixed, and a systematic comparison of differences across ages was not possible. The heterogeneity in measures of COVID-19-related experiences as well as timing of data collection prevented a more nuanced examination of short and more long-term impacts.

Social Media and Self-Concept Among Postsecondary Students: A Scoping Review

The vast majority of college-aged students use social networking sites (SNS) to foster connectedness and enable networking. In addition, SNS allow individuals to control their online self-presentation. This may lead to incongruence between students' actual selves and their curated online selves, thereby damaging one's self-perception by increasing social comparison orientation. The goal of this article was to investigate the relationship between SNS use and self-concept that has not yet been explored in depth among the postsecondary population. Utilizing Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, a scoping review of the published literature was conducted. A total of 41 articles were included in the review. Three overarching themes were extracted from the findings. The first theme found that consistent exposure to the thin ideal and fitspiration posts across various SNS were linked to increased body dissatisfaction. The second theme found that engaging in online academic or ability-based comparisons resulted in a worsened mental state among postsecondary students. The third theme found that one's SNS followers or the number of "likes" received have mixed effects on student self-concept. Through gaining an improved understanding of the SNS stressors that contribute to students' mental health from this review, postsecondary institutions can implement more targeted interventions to bolster student wellbeing.

Examining temporal trends in psychological distress and the co-occurrence of common substance use in a population-based sample of grade 7-12 students from 2013 to 2019

PURPOSE

Characterizing trends and correlates of adolescent psychological distress is important due to observed global increases over the last 20 years. Substance use is a commonly discussed correlate, though we lack an understanding about how co-occurrence of these concerns has been changing over time.

METHODS

Data came from repeated, representative, cross-sectional surveys of grade 7-12 students across Ontario, Canada conducted biennially from 2013 to 2019. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to examine changes in the joint association between psychological distress (operationalized as Kessler-6 [K6] scores ≥ 13) and substance use over time. Weighted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 99% confidence intervals were estimated, where p < 0.01 denotes statistical significance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychological distress doubled between 2013 and 2019, with adjusted increases of about 1.2 times each survey year. This biennial increase did not differ based on sex, perceived social standing, school level, or any substance use. Students using substances consistently reported a higher prevalence of psychological distress (between 1.2 times and 2.7 times higher). There were similarly no differential temporal trends based on substance use for very high distress (K6 ≥ 19) or K6 items explored individually.

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress steeply increased among adolescents and substance use remains important to assess and address alongside distress. However, the magnitude of temporal increases appears to be similar for adolescents reporting and not reporting substance use.

Identifying protective and risk behavior patterns of online communication in young people

INTRODUCTION

Research has investigated the association between time spent online and mental well-being, however the nuances between specific online behaviors and well-being have been less explored. This research examines how specific online behaviors (i.e., how young people are engaging online and with whom), are associated with one another, and how these patterns of behaviors are related to well-being.

METHODS

We used the November 2020 and March 2021 Understanding Society COVID-19 Panel data. The sample consisted of 1432 adolescents aged 10-15 years, who participated in November 2020. Latent class analysis was used to explore patterns of online behaviors. We also investigated how sociodemographic characteristics differed across the classes, along with physical, social, and mental well-being as distal outcomes both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

RESULTS

We identified four classes: "Avid users," "Scholars," "Midways," and the "Passengers." The avid users had the highest frequency of posting online content regularly, likewise the scholars also posted online content regularly, however the scholars were differentiated by their higher frequency of schoolwork and news intake online. The midways had more complex activity characterized by talking to friends often and having a social media account, but posted online content less frequently. The passengers were the least active online as they posted pictures and videos less (76% said "never") and only 63% had a social media account. The avid users had the lowest well-being cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and the midways had lower social well-being and appearance dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Online behaviors such as regularly posting or talking to internet-only friends could be related to lower well-being. Policymakers should consider both improving regulations online and building an evidence base to enable caregivers from all backgrounds to support young people.

Potential risk and protective factors related to problematic social media use among adolescents in Iran: A latent profile analysis

This study aimed to assess Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) among Iranian adolescents and explore potential risk and protective factors. In the present cross-sectional study, 3375 Iranian adolescents were recruited online and completed questionnaires. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to identify groups with various levels of PSMU. Indicator variables included standardized factor scores for PSMU, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, sensation-seeking, internet addiction, loneliness, social anxiety, internalizing symptoms, social support and self-esteem. Five groups were identified relating to severities of PSMU and other factors: low-risk: n = 823 (24.4 %); low-to-moderate-risk: n = 835 (24.7 %); moderate-risk: n = 630 (18.7 %); moderate-to-high-risk: n = 584 (17.3 %); high-risk: n = 503 (14.9 %). Multiple factors, including sensation-seeking, internalizing symptoms, social anxiety, loneliness, internet addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, low self-esteem and low perceived social support, statistically predicted PSMU. The current findings may help identify Iranian adolescents who are particularly vulnerable to PSMU and assist in intervention development.

Healthy Social Network Use and Well-Being during Adolescence: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Screen time and the use of social networks is the most frequent form of leisure time occupation and socializing for adolescents. The present study is aimed at understanding and characterizing, from an ecological perspective, what distinguishes healthy and less healthy or even dependent use of social media in young people and the influence on adolescents' well-being. This paper is based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) from 2022, a survey carried out every 4 years, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), following an international protocol. A total of 7643 students from the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th school grades responded, of which 53.9% were female, with an average age of 15.05 (SD = 2.36). The sample is representative of the school grades under study. The results allow us to study and identify similarities and differences between three groups related to the level of healthiness in the use of social networks and its relations to well-being from an ecological perspective. What distinguishes adolescents with less healthy use of social networks is that they are more often female, older, have more self-injurious behaviour, higher alcohol consumption, and a worse relationship with teachers. The adolescents with the highest level of dependence on social networks are those who have a higher perception of lack of safety at school and in their area of residence, as well as a higher use of screen time as a leisure activity. The well-being of adolescents using social media in a healthy way is explained by fewer psychological symptoms, better stress management strategies, better body awareness, more physical activity, less time online with friends, and better relationships with family and teachers. Technologies and social networks are important for the well-being of adolescents; it is essential to promote a healthy, critical and balanced use with other "screen-free" activities and to promote socio-emotional skills, a lack of which seems to be one of the biggest risk factors associated with the healthy use of technologies.

The Impact of Social Media Use Interventions on Mental Well-Being: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence that more social media use is related to poorer mental well-being and that social media use can become problematic when it starts to interfere with a person's daily life and mental well-being. To address this issue and improve users' mental well-being, social media use interventions (eg, abstinence from social media) have been developed and evaluated. However, there is limited understanding of the effectiveness of these interventions in improving mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature on the effectiveness of social media use interventions in improving mental well-being in adults.

METHODS

A systematic search (January 1, 2004, to July 31, 2022) was completed across 3 databases in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Experimental studies evaluating the impact of social media use interventions on mental well-being in adults were included. Outcomes related to mental well-being, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, were included. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was completed to summarize the study characteristics and effectiveness by outcome and intervention type. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool was used to measure the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Of the 2785 studies identified through the systematic search, 23 (0.83%) were included in the analysis. Many of the included studies (9/23, 39%) found improvements in mental well-being, some (7/23, 30%) found mixed effects, and others (7/23, 30%) found no effect on mental well-being. Therapy-based interventions that used techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy were more effective than limiting use of social media or full abstinence from social media, with 83% (5/6) of these studies showing improvements in mental well-being compared with 20% (1/5) and 25% (3/12), respectively. Depression was the most frequently investigated and improved outcome with 70% (7/10) of the studies showing a significant improvement in depression after the intervention, whereas other outcomes showed more varied results. Quality was poor, with 96% (22/23) of the studies receiving a weak global score, mostly for issues related to selection bias because most of the studies (16/23, 70%) used a convenience sampling of university students.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides some evidence that social media use interventions are effective in improving mental well-being, especially for depression and when using therapy-based interventions. Further experimental and longitudinal research is needed with representative samples to investigate who may benefit most from social media use interventions. This will help to develop guidance and recommendations for policy makers and clinicians on how best to manage problematic social media use.

The Longitudinal Impact of Social Media Use on UK Adolescents' Mental Health: Longitudinal Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Cross-sectional studies have found a relationship between social media use and depression and anxiety in young people. However, few longitudinal studies using representative data and mediation analysis have been conducted to understand the causal pathways of this relationship.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the longitudinal relationship between social media use and young people's mental health and the role of self-esteem and social connectedness as potential mediators.

METHODS

The sample included 3228 participants who were 10- to 15-year-olds from Understanding Society (2009-2019), a UK longitudinal household survey. The number of hours spent on social media was measured on a 5-point scale from "none" to "7 or more hours" at the ages of 12-13 years. Self-esteem and social connectedness (number of friends and happiness with friendships) were measured at the ages of 13-14 years. Mental health problems measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were assessed at the ages of 14-15 years. Covariates included demographic and household variables. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel linear regression models were used to estimate the association between social media use and mental health. We used path analysis with structural equation modeling to investigate the mediation pathways.

RESULTS

In adjusted analysis, there was a nonsignificant linear trend showing that more time spent on social media was related to poorer mental health 2 years later (n=2603, β=.21, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.84; P=.52). In an unadjusted path analysis, 68% of the effect of social media use on mental health was mediated by self-esteem (indirect effect, n=2569, β=.70, 95% CI 0.15-1.30; P=.02). This effect was attenuated in the adjusted analysis, and it was found that self-esteem was no longer a significant mediator (indirect effect, n=2316, β=.24, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.66; P=.22). We did not find evidence that the association between social media and mental health was mediated by social connectedness. Similar results were found in imputed data.

CONCLUSIONS

There was little evidence to suggest that more time spent on social media was associated with later mental health problems in UK adolescents. This study shows the importance of longitudinal studies to examine this relationship and suggests that prevention strategies and interventions to improve mental health associated with social media use could consider the role of factors like self-esteem.

Focus on Self-Presentation on Social Media across Sociodemographic Variables, Lifestyles, and Personalities: A Cross-Sectional Study

Upward social comparison and aspects of self-presentation on social media such as feedback-seeking and strategic self-presentation may represent risk factors for experiencing negative mental health effects of social media use. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess how adolescents differ in upward social comparison and aspects of self-presentation on social media and whether these differences are linked to sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, or personality. The study was based on cross-sectional data from the "LifeOnSoMe" study performed in Bergen, Norway, including 2023 senior high school pupils (response rate 54%, mean age 17.4, 44% boys). Nine potentially relevant items were assessed using factor analysis, and latent class analysis was used to identify latent classes with distinct patterns of responses across seven retained items. The retained items converged into one factor, called "focus on self-presentation". We identified three groups of adolescents with a low, intermediate, and high focus on self-presentation. Associations between identified latent classes and covariates were assessed using regression analyses. Being a girl, higher extraversion, lower emotional stability, more frequent alcohol consumption, and having tried tobacco were associated with membership in the high-focus group. These results suggest some characteristics that are associated with a higher focus on self-presentation and that could inform targeted interventions.