JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS: Problematic social media use and relationship to mental health characteristics in youth from the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN)
- Liviu Poenaru
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Apr. 16, 2025
Highlights
Analyzes the link between social media use and mental health in depressed youth
40.3 % reported problematic social media use (feeling disconnected/disappointed/upset)
Those with problematic use more likely to report higher screen time
Those with problematic use endorsed more depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Those with problematic use endorsed poorer wellness factors.
Abstract
Background
The relationship between social media and mental health, particularly in youth, is an area of concern for researchers, clinicians, and parents. Rising rates of screen time have coincided with an increase in youth mental health issues, emphasizing the need to investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of problematic social media use.
Methods
Our sample is a 489-participant sub-sample of the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) Registry, which is comprised of Texas youth receiving care for depression, suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behaviors. Prevalence of problematic social media use was identified, and indicators of mental and physical health were compared in those with or without problematic use.
Results
In our sample, 40.3 % of participants reported problematic social media use, and those with problematic use were more likely to report higher amounts of screen time. Relative to non-problematic users, problematic users endorsed more and higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, as well as poorer wellness factors. Participants with high duration and problematic use had poorer outcomes than those with low duration and non-problematic use.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design does not allow for control comparisons and is limited by use of a single time point. Data are mainly derived from self-report measures, and generalizability of the findings may be impacted by overrepresentation of white females in the sample.
Conclusions
As use increases, these data contribute to the empirical literature on the complex relationship between social media and mental wellbeing, suggesting problematic use is associated with poor mental health outcomes.
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