Higher-than-average social media use as a tween was associated with greater depression the following year, according to a study issued by JAMA Network Open.
“Although correlations between social media use and depressive symptoms have been previously identified, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear,” wrote Jason M. Nagata, M.D., and colleagues. “[Our] findings provide initial evidence of temporal ordering and could suggest that social media use is a potential contributing factor to adolescent depressive symptoms rather than merely a correlate or consequence of such symptoms.”
Nagata and colleagues collected data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, which assessed 11,876 children aged 9 to 10 years on their self-reported social media use and depression symptoms (from the Child Behavior Checklist) at baseline and once a year for three years.
On a within-person basis, youth reporting higher than average social media use at baseline did not have elevated depressive symptoms at year one. However, above average social media use at year one or year two was associated with depressive symptoms the following year. These associations held after accounting for demographic and family-level factors that may influence mental health and social media use, such as parental media monitoring or family conflict.
Depressive symptoms were not associated with later social media use at any of the three intervals
The researchers noted that some adolescents may be more susceptible to negative media effects due to factors like their disposition, self-esteem, developmental stage, and family dynamic. Differential susceptibilities may also explain why some social media may be beneficial for certain individuals while detrimental to others.
“Clinicians should consider inquiring about social media use among children and adolescents, particularly those younger than the recommended age limits (the minimum age requirement for most social media platforms is 13 years), and providing anticipatory guidance as needed,” the researchers wrote. “Interventions that promote mindful, purpose-driven social media use, such as encouraging adolescents to prioritize social connection, may help mitigate negative outcomes and support better mental health.”
For related information, see the Psychiatric News article “Ask Young Patients About Social Media Use” and the Psychiatric News alert “Youth With Internalizing Conditions Spend More Time on Social Media, Feel Lack of Control Online.”
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