The effects of social media over-use on adolescents’ psychological well-being: a scoping review.

Abstract

Introduction: The last 10 years have seen an exponential growth in the use of technology, the internet and social media, and while many benefits of social media use have been found, there are also various adverse effects that can be detrimental to mental health. Recent literature indicates a relationship between the overuse of social media and the development of adverse mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety, amongst the adolescent population who are at a critical and vulnerable stage of their development. This study aims to synthesise and map studies that demonstrate a relationship between social media over-use and adolescents’ psychological well-being. Methods and Analysis: A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of, and to map, the existing literature within this field of research. The data were screened thoroughly using the PRISMA-ScR flow diagram according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant databases were searched and a total of 11 studies were eligible for final review. Results and Discussion: The data were charted in table form and summarised by: Author(s) and Year, Study Title, Aims and Objectives, Operational Definition of Social Media/Overuse Concepts, Methodology, and Results, and synthesised into a comprehensive report. Identified trends and gaps were analysed thematically to provide a narrative interpretation of existing literature. Studies that investigated relationships between social media overutilization and mental health vulnerabilities were categorized in relation to five overarching themes: Conceptualisations of Overuse, Developmental and Social Factors, Gender Differences, Study Design, and Psychometric Measures. Conclusion and Recommendations: Five specific themes emerged in relation to the various factors that contributed towards the relationship demonstrated between excessive social media use and adverse mental health outcomes. Future research could aim to better understand the challenges faced by adolescents as a result of excessive social media use and provide opportunities to develop cultural and context specific interventions to reduce and remediate these effects.