Social Media Extensive Use and Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes In Adolescence: Evidence from British Longitudinal Data

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The relationship between social media use and emotional and behavioral outcomes in adolescence is investigated using data from a large longitudinal (over time) study of teenagers from the UK. 

There are a variety of way by which social media use affects adolescents’ well-being and mental health. Social media can promote interaction with peers with similar interests, facilitate communication and information on sensitive topics, and be a vehicle of collaboration and involvement with the community. On the other hand, it can facilitate the transmission of harmful content, such as cyber bullying and peer pressure. These factors  can affect sleep patterns, perception of body image, and ultimately can result in increased stress and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to provide evidence of the impact of social media exposure on teenagers.

Results from this study show that prolonged use of social media (more than 4 hours per day) is significantly associated with poorer emotional health and more behavioral difficulties, and in particular decreased perception of self-value. An increase in incidence of hyperactivity, inattention and behavioral problems was also observed. However, limited use of social media (less than 3 hours per day) can have some positive effect on peer relationships. 

McNamee, Paul and Mendolia, Silvia and Yerokhin, Oleg, Social Media Extensive Use and Emotional and Behavioural Outcomes in Adolescence: Evidence from British Longitudinal Data. IZA Discussion Paper No. 12834