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The rise of social media and smartphones seemingly coincided with a significant decline in teenagers' mental health.

Social Media, Smartphones, and Teen's Poor Mental Health

Teen mental health has worsened rapidly over the last two decades, paralleling the spread of social media and smartphones since 2007. Many people, particularly concerned parents, quickly blame technology. Research indeed shows a link between increased screen time and higher rates of depression in adolescents. However, experts like Aliza Werner-Seidler from the Black Dog Institute point out that the relationship between screen time and mental health is complex. It remains unclear whether poor mental health drives teenagers to spend more time on social media or if the time spent on social media leads to deteriorating mental health.

The Challenge of Data

Despite the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, researchers lack conclusive evidence on whether these technologies directly cause mental health issues. This challenge stems from the rapid evolution of digital trends, algorithms, and user habits. For example, TikTok's rise is recent, and Snapchat's significant growth happened only within the past decade. Studies have primarily focused on overall screen time rather than specific activities teenagers engage in online. Activities like FaceTiming with relatives or encountering distressing content have vastly different impacts.

What Social Media Companies Know

The National Mental Health Commission has highlighted the need for more research to understand the relationship between digital technology and teen mental health. Frustratingly, the data necessary to answer these questions often resides with social media companies. Researchers, including Dr. Werner-Seidler, argue that if companies like Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok shared their internal data, progress could be accelerated. Internal research leaked by whistleblowers like Frances Haugen indicates that social media platforms can harm teenagers, especially concerning body image issues.

Parental Guidance

Conversations between parents and children about social media usage are crucial. Setting boundaries and discussing the reasons behind social media use can help mitigate negative impacts. For example, for those who experienced significant bullying online, open communication and reduced screen time can lead to improved mental health and academic performance.