The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Social Media Behavior Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals: An American Society of Pain and Neuroscience NEURON Project

Purpose

The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) identified a significant gap in resources and guidelines that aim to educate healthcare providers for best practices when engaging on social media. As part of the broader initiatives on Spine and Nerve practice, the executive board of ASPN has decided it would be beneficial to include comprehensive guidance for healthcare providers when engaging on social media.

Methods

A panel of experts was chosen based on expertise, publications, diversity, and their social media presence. Along with expert guidance, the committee conducted an extensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature in communication and medical journals to determine best practices for healthcare practitioners on social media.

Results

Social media messages significantly impact patients' and colleagues' perceptions and actions regarding medical issues. As such, providers and their teams must be aware of legal and ethical considerations in healthcare while maintaining a consistent, educational, and digestible persona online.

Conclusion

The advancement of communication and medical technologies and systems necessitates continued education and resources to adapt to our rapidly changing media and medical landscape.

Sex differences in social network addiction and emotional eating among adolescents in a Peruvian region: a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Maladaptive eating behaviors are becoming increasingly prevalent among adolescents, and their relationship to exposure to media messages has been extensively examined. However, more specifically, the influence of social networks on emotional eating (EmE) has received relatively less attention in the Peruvian context.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between social network addiction (SNA) and EmE among Peruvian adolescents, considering sex differences.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 878 adolescents were considered. The Social Network Addiction Questionnaire and the Emotional Eating Questionnaire were administered. Similarly, sociodemographic data were collected. To explore the association between SNA and EmE, we performed Poisson regression analyses with robust variance. We considered a p-value of equal to or less than 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Adolescents with an EmE score greater than 5 had significantly higher SNA scores, averaging 24.7 (± 12.3), compared to 15.5 (± 10.3) in those with an EmE score between 0 and 5 (p < 0.001). In multiple regression analyses, men with moderate/severe SNA were 1.77 times more likely to have EmE compared to those without SNA (95% CI 1.45-2.15; p < 0.001), while in women, moderate/severe SNA was associated with a 1.98 times higher likelihood of EmE (95% CI 1.61-2.45; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need for public health interventions to educate adolescents about the use of social networks to minimize the negative effects of prolonged exposure on eating habits.

Body, image, and digital technology in adolescence and contemporary youth culture

The physical, psychological and social changes that occur during adolescence constitute a physiological crisis that is necessary for development and growth. The establishment of a suitable "self-image" is important for facilitating harmonious psychophysical development during this time. In the current era, digital technology (DT) serves as an extraordinary means of communication for young people, who make significant use of images as a mode of expression. Accordingly, there is growing interest in the relationship between physical development, self-image and use of DT. A review of the published literature on the topic was carried out in April 2024. Fourteen studies (n = 14) were inclused from search of electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, MedLine, and Cochrane Library. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of (DT) on cultural models of adolescent body image, and how this "social" culture can affect wellbeing and development. It was considered that the rise of DT and social media (SM) emphasized in young people the culture of appearance, adherence to ideal models (thinness ideal) and social comparison at an unprecedented level. It was estimated that the digital mechanism works on the adolescent's vulnerability and stimulates the desire for experimentation and amplifies cultural beliefs that expose the young to deviant or pathological behaviors on the body. The use of digital images emphasizes the perception of self by making it more real and alive but empty of content. Our framework highlights that the adolescent can defend himself if he leaves the homologation that the SM condition, regains his own experiences, fill with emotional content and real life the images and the representation of the body.

Perception, use of social media, and its impact on the mental health of Indian adolescents: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Mental illness is a health challenge faced by adolescents that has grown worse after the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Research on social media and young people's mental health has recently increased, and numerous studies have examined whether frequent use of social media is linked to issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, frustration, feeling alone, and externalizing problems among adolescents. This influence of social media on adolescents' lives is clear, with many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube playing an important role in daily interactions and self-expression. Even though social media offers numerous benefits, such as connectivity and information sharing, excessive usage can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among adolescents.

AIM

To study the impact of social media on the mental wellbeing of adolescents, and the associated potential dangers in India.

METHODS

A total of 204 adolescents aged 14 years to 23 years were included in the study. This study explored the intricate relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health in India. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design to capture a snapshot of adolescent mental health and social media usage patterns. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires and the analysis utilized quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Excessive use of social media is correlated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents engage in compulsive behaviors such as scrolling in the middle of the night, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health, and leads to significant sleep disruption. Findings from the study aim to provide insights into the current state of adolescent mental health and inform strategies to promote positive wellbeing in the Indian population.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay between social media and adolescent mental health, and need for effective strategies to combat online harassment.

Silent Screams: A Narrative Review of Cyberbullying Among Indian Adolescents

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies, which can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms, and mobile phones. It is repeated behavior aimed at scaring, angering, or shaming those who are targeted. India happens to be one of the rapidly improving countries in the cyber world and thus faces a lot of problems regarding cyber crimes, especially cyberbullying. This narrative review aims to provide a thorough assessment of the impact of cyberbullying among Indian adolescents. The database engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO were searched relevant to the Indian context, focused on cyberbullying and victimization among adolescents, and published within the last 10 years (2014-2024) were included. Around 19 articles were reviewed and analyzed. Cyberbullying in India is on the rise due to increased technology access, social media, and insufficient awareness and prevention measures, with significant gender differences in aggression patterns. The severe psychological and physiological effects on victims, including depression and stress-related health issues, highlight the need for accurate data and culturally tailored interventions. Studies show varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the urgent need for focused efforts to combat cyberbullying among Indian youth. The review encompasses various aspects, including prevalence, standard methods, forms, causes, consequences, and effects on mental health factors contributing to cyberbullying in India. Additionally, the review explores cyberbullying during COVID-19 and interventions for cyberbullying and highlights the evidence from cohort studies, mixed-method studies, and systematic reviews. A growing number of adolescents are experiencing cyberbullying, which has a severe impact on their lives and leads to unexpected deviances. Cyberbullying remains a growing threat, requiring stronger, coordinated action by the government to genuinely make a difference and safeguard adolescents in India.

Exploring social media determinants in fostering pro-environmental behavior: insights from social impact theory and the theory of planned behavior

Introduction

This study investigates the impact of social media on pro-environmental behavior (PEB) through the lenses of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Impact Theory. The research aims to elucidate how social media influences Environmental Attitude (EA) and Subjective Norms (SN), and how these factors contribute to Behavioral Intentions (BI) that ultimately affect PEB. Additionally, it examines the moderating effect of Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) on the relationship between BI and PEB.

Methods

To explore these relationships, the study employs a dual methodological approach using Variance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (VBSEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Data were collected from two distinct samples: 1200 participants from Taiwan for the SEM analysis and 602 respondents for the ANN study. SEM was utilized to explore causal relationships, while ANN was employed to enhance predictive accuracy.

Results

The SEM analysis reveals that social media significantly affects both EA and SN, except for Social Networking Site Involvement (SNSI), which does not significantly impact EA. Additionally, the findings indicate that BI mediates the relationship between EA and PEB. However, BI does not mediate the SN-PEB relationship, and the link between SN and BI is found to be non-significant. Empirical evidence also suggests that PBC moderates the BI-PEB relationship, with a stronger influence observed under higher levels of PBC and a weaker influence under lower levels.

Discussion

These results underscore the complex dynamics between social media factors and pro-environmental behavior. The study concludes that while social media plays a significant role in shaping EA and SN, its impact on EA is not mediated by SNSI. Furthermore, PBC significantly moderates the BI-PEB relationship, highlighting its critical role in PEB. The discussion addresses the implications of these findings, acknowledges the limitations encountered, and suggests potential avenues for future research.

Acute Stress Disorders Among Jordanian Adolescents After Watching Gaza News Footage on Social Media

Background

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a surge in acute stress among individuals who are exposed to distressing images and videos daily via social media.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the impact of watching Gaza news footage on social media among Jordanian adolescents, and explore the experiences of watching Gaza news footage on social media from the perspective of adolescents.

Methods

An explanatory mixed methods design was conducted from 10/10/2023 until 6/11/2023, undertaken at two government high schools in Jordan. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to survey 180 Jordanian students who watched Gaza news footage on social media. Then the students who had high stress levels were interviewed.

Results

180 students participated in this study, more than half of them were male (52.2%). The quantitative findings showed that the students experienced high stress levels, with a mean score of 3.78 (SD = 1.24). 70% of students reported high levels of stress, the amount of time spent watching news footage about the Gaza attack on social media each day, and the presence of social support from family or peers are significantly linked to stress levels (p < 0.05). The qualitative findings revealed the following themes: Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress.

Conclusion

Study findings revealed high stress levels among adolescents after watching Gaza news on social media, highlighting the need for interventions in the context of the three major themes revealed in the study.

Suicide warning signs that are challenging to recognize: a psychological autopsy study of Korean adolescents

BACKGROUND

In South Korea, the leading cause of youth death has been suicide for about 20 years. In this study, we conducted a multi-method psychological autopsy to identify the psychiatric diagnosis, developmental history, personality traits, family history, school life, warning signs of suicide, and risk factors related to suicide for the first time in Korea.

METHODS

This was a postmortem, retrospective, and descriptive study of 36 adolescents who died by suicide between August 2015 and July 2021 in South Korea. We obtained qualitative and quantitative data from the Korean Psychological Autopsy of Adolescent, conducted by the Suicide and School Mental Health Institute, the official student mental health policy-focused research institute of the Korean Ministry of Education.

RESULTS

The adolescents comprised equal percentage of girls and boys. Approximately half of the deaths (55.6%) occurred at home and most (72.2%) involved jumping from a height. Most of the adolescents (97.2%) had one major psychiatric disorder before death, with depressive disorder being the most prevalent (75%). They were at a high risk for internet addiction before death. The most common personality trait was avoidance (28.6%), followed by submissiveness (27.3%). Half of the parents reported that the adolescents were satisfied with their school life and the teachers observed that they had no behavioral problems. One year before death, seven (19.4%) adolescents injured themselves and five (13.9%) had attempted suicide. Most of the deceased (80.6%) had expressed suicide warning signs to their families within one year before death. Adolescents had a long experience of family-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the adolescents had mental health disorders and expressed suicidal intentions using verbal and nonverbal signs. However, it was challenging for families to recognize the risk signs because of adolescents' personality traits or a good school life. To prevent adolescent suicide, adolescents, parents, and teachers need to be educated to recognize signs of suicide warning signs and equipped to guide adolescents to appropriate care.

Unmasking the Pandemic's Hidden Challenge

In the COVID-19 pandemic, a new challenge emerges in the digital realm – a surge in cyberbullying fuelled by social isolation. This chapter explores the intricate connection between isolation measures and the alarming rise in online harassment. Lockdowns and distancing have turned the online space into both a refuge and a battlefield, revealing unique consequences of isolation. The pandemic has reshaped cyberbullying, with increased screen time, online education, and heightened social media engagement playing complex roles. As social isolation heightens vulnerability, the line between physical and digital blurs, exposing individuals to online harassers. The chapter acknowledges the profound impact of social isolation on mental health, with pandemic stressors and online anonymity fostering anxiety among cyberbullying victims. Educational settings, grappling with remote learning challenges, also experience the ripple effects of cyberbullying. Despite these challenges, coping strategies and support mechanisms emerge, aiding individuals in navigating the digital landscape safely.

Psychotherapy, artificial intelligence and adolescents: ethical aspects

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced in various domains, including its application in psychotherapy. AI-powered psychotherapy tools present promising solutions for increasing accessibility to mental health care. However, the integration of AI in psychotherapy raises significant ethical concerns that require thorough consideration and regulation to ensure ethical practice, patient safety, and data privacy. This article discusses the ethical considerations surrounding the utilization of AI in psychotherapy, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation, patient privacy, and the human-AI interaction. The challenge raised by the use of artificial intelligence requires a comprehensive approach. Schools, in particular, are crucial in providing both knowledge and ethical guidance, helping young individuals decipher the complexities of online content. Additionally, parental support is essential, requiring the provision of time, fostering relationships, encouraging dialogue, and creating a safe environment to share experiences amidst the intricacies of adolescence. Reimagining social and healthcare services tailored for adolescents is equally crucial, taking into account recent societal changes. The integration of AI in psychotherapy has vast potential to transform mental healthcare. However, ensuring its accuracy and effectiveness demands a proactive approach to address associated ethical considerations. By adopting responsible practices, preserving patient autonomy, and continually refining AI systems, the field can leverage the benefits of AI in psychotherapy while maintaining high ethical standards.

Social Comparison and Body Image in Teenage Users of the TikTok App

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The TikTok app is one of the video-based social media platforms that is currently trending and commonly used by teenagers. The data about teenage users of the TikTok app are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of TikTok app use among teenagers in Saudi Arabia and to investigate the association between TikTok app use and the social comparison and the body image of the study population. Further, to explore the potential associations between the social comparison and the body image of the TikTok app users and their different characteristics.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey study was conducted all over Saudi Arabia. The study included male and female teenagers, aged 12-19 years. The researchers used a structured, self-administered questionnaire to collect data, and it was disseminated using different social media platforms. The social comparison was measured using the questionnaire of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure, and the body image was measured using the Measurement of the Body Image Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 26 (Chicago, IL: SSPS Inc.). Continuous variables were compared using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, whereas categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. Spearman's rank correlation was applied to investigate the association between body image and social comparison scores among TikTok app users and non-users.

RESULTS

This study included 384 Saudi teenagers. Females (n=260) outnumbered males (n=124) (67.7% and 32.3%, respectively), and the mean of their age was 16.3±2.0 years. The researchers found a high prevalence (343/384, 89.3%) of TikTok app use among the studied teenagers. There was a significantly high median of the social comparison score among the TikTok app users (33.0, IQR: 28.0-38.0) compared to the non-users (28.0, IQR: 26.0-34.0), p=0.005. TikTok app users also showed a significantly lower median body image score (64.0, IQR: 54.0-72.0) in comparison to the non-users (67.0, IQR: 58.0-73.0), p=0.037. The correlation between social comparison and body image among teenagers using TikTok showed a negative relationship, but it was not significant (p=0.110). However, a significant negative weak relationship was found between body image and comparison of abilities (rs coefficient=-0.113, p=0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study indicate a high prevalence of TikTok use among teenagers in Saudi Arabia. The use of TikTok was associated with a high social comparison and a negative body image, with more than half of the users expressing a negative body image. Comparison of abilities was associated with an increased level of body dissatisfaction. These findings emphasize the need for the development and implementation of public health policies and awareness programs to promote body acceptance, especially for young people across the country. Future studies should focus on the long-term impact of TikTok use on psychological health.