Adolescent Mental Health in the Age of Digital Media
An analysis of existing research on the relationship between digital media use and mental-healttesth indicators among adolescents.
The rise in digital media use among adolescents has raised questions about its impact on this population’s mental health. This paper reviews existing literature, focusing on the distinction between active and passive use of social media.
We examine findings suggesting that the amount of screen time alone is not the decisive factor, but also the nature of that activity – social comparison, exposure to inappropriate content, and sleep disruption linked to device use before bedtime.
In conclusion, we propose a framework for further research that accounts for contextual factors such as family support and the school environment, rather than treating digital media as an isolated risk factor.