Screen time impacts our mental health in significant ways, with research suggesting particular risks for teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media.
• Higher social media usage linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress
• Teens more vulnerable to negative mental health effects than adults
• Using social media to escape negative feelings raises mental health risks
• Limiting social media to 30 minutes per day can lower depression and anxiety
• Open conversations about online experiences help teens develop healthy digital habits
• Unrealistic images and constant comparisons on social media harm self-worth
• Adults experience similar but less pronounced negative effects from excessive screen time
• Maintaining real-life relationships outside digital spaces provides important balance
• Screen time isn't benign—moderation is key to protecting mental wellbeing
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References
1. Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among US Youth. Riehm KE, Feder KA, Tormohlen KN, et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2019;76(12):1266-1273. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2325.
2. Impact of Social Media Use on Mental Health Within Adolescent and Student Populations During COVID-19 Pandemic: Review. Draženović M, Vukušić Rukavina T, Machala Poplašen L. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(4):3392. doi:10.3390/ijerph20043392.
3. Annual Research Review: Adolescent Mental Health in the Digital Age: Facts, Fears, and Future Directions. Odgers CL, Jensen MR. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines. 2020;61(3):336-348. doi:10.1111/jcpp.13190.
4. Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths. Xiao Y, Meng Y, Brown TT, Keyes KM, Mann JJ. JAMA. 2025;:2835481. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.7829.
5. Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review. Saleem N, Young P, Yousuf S. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. 2024;27(11):771-797. doi:10.1089/cyber.2023.0456.
6. Adolescents' Interactive Electronic Device Use, Sleep and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies. Dibben GO, Martin A, Shore CB, et al. Journal of Sleep Research. 2023;32(5):e13899. doi:10.1111/jsr.13899.
7. Relationship Between Depression and the Use of Mobile Technologies and Social Media Among Adolescents: Umbrella Review. Arias-de la Torre J, Puigdomenech E, García X, et al. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020;22(8):e16388. doi:10.2196/16388.
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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD, DABOM & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork Rebrand and Avatars:
Vantage Design Works (Vanessa Jones)
Website: https://www.vantagedesignworks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantagedesignworks?igsh=aHRuOW93dmxuOG9m&utm_source=qr
Original Artwork Concept: Olivia Pawlowski
