Consistent with other previous studies, new research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, found social media addiction was common among adolescent girls and was associated with poorer mental health and well-being.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland aimed to measure smartphone and social media use objectively and to evaluate its associations with measures of mental health and well-being.
First-year female students (n=1164) from 21 socioeconomically diverse high schools responded to an online survey comprising validated questionnaires (Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Body Appreciation Scale 2) and visual analogue scales of current health, mood, tiredness, and loneliness. They were also asked to attach screenshots depicting their smartphone use.
This study reported daily smartphone use among study participants approached 6 hours, and objectively measured and self-reported times used on social media showed a medium correlation with each other. Daily time on social media was associated with lower GPA, increased anxiety, lower body image, and lower well-being.
Researchers highlight the following takeaway messages:
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC
⇒ Recent studies have indicated increasing anxiety among adolescent girls and associated
this with social media use. We found no previous studies combining objectively collected
data on smartphone or social media use and validated measures of social media addiction
and well-being.
WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS
⇒ In a population-based cohort, smartphone use approached 6 hours daily and one in six
adolescent girls had possible social media addiction. Social media addiction scores were
associated with poorer well-being.
HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY
⇒ Objectively measured smartphone and social media use should be assessed in both research
and practice settings, while policymakers should limit the addictive elements of social media.
Source:
Kosola S, Mörö S, Holopainen E. Smartphone use and well-being of adolescent girls: a population-based study. Arch Dis Child. 2024 May 21:archdischild-2023-326521. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326521. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38772732.