Young people with mental health issues spend more time on social media

Social media has become an integral part of young people's lives, but this isn't always positive. A study by the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford reveals that adolescents with mental health conditions spend significantly more time on platforms like Instagram and TikTok compared to their peers without such issues. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the research highlights not just the time spent but also how these young people engage with social media.

The study analyzed data from over 3,300 British youths aged 11 to 19, using professional diagnostic assessments. Teens with mental health conditions reported lower satisfaction with online friendships, especially those with internalizing disorders like anxiety and depression. They were more likely to compare themselves to others, react strongly to likes and comments, and present an inauthentic version of themselves online. While the study doesn't establish causality, it underscores the need for a nuanced approach to understanding social media's impact on mental health.