If you or someone you know is in crisis, it’s crucial to seek help. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. A new study published in JAMA has revealed alarming connections between addiction to social media, mobile phones, and video games, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents.
The research, which analyzed data from over 4,000 children participating in a long-term longitudinal study, tracked these individuals from ages 9 to 10. By the time they reached age 14, the findings were striking: approximately one-third of the participants had developed a growing addiction to social media, nearly a quarter had become increasingly dependent on their mobile phones, and over 40% exhibited signs of addiction to video games. According to study author Yunyu Xiao, a professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, these young individuals are significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent screen use at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasizes the importance of this study. He notes that the elements of addiction associated with screen time are more predictive of poor mental health and even suicide risk than mere screen time metrics. This research brings a nuanced understanding to the conversation about screen addiction among youth.
The study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large-scale, ongoing longitudinal project tracking thousands of children over the years. Researchers assessed both average daily screen time and symptoms of addiction. They used a standardized questionnaire that included statements such as, "I spend a lot of time thinking about social media apps" and "I feel stressed or upset if I am not allowed to use my social media apps."
When analyzing social media use, researchers discovered that about 60% of participants maintained low levels of addiction over the years. However, approximately one-tenth of the group showed increasing addiction that peaked around the third and fourth years of assessment. Regarding mobile phone usage, around 50% exhibited high addiction levels, while a quarter displayed increasing addiction patterns. The study noted two primary groups in video gaming: 60% experienced stable low levels of addiction, while 41% were highly addicted throughout the study period.
The study also addressed suicidal thoughts and behaviors through a questionnaire that explored both passive and active thoughts of suicide, as well as suicide attempts. By the fourth year of the study, nearly 18% of participants reported having suicidal thoughts, and 5% admitted to engaging in suicidal behaviors. Those with high and increasing addiction to mobile phones and social media were particularly at risk, demonstrating a 2 to 3 times higher likelihood of suicidal behaviors compared to their less addicted peers.
Researchers, educators, and parents often focus on the amount of time teenagers spend on screens as a measure of problematic use. However, both Xiao and Nagata argue that screen time itself is not inherently good or bad. Dr. Nagata points out that while tracking screen time provides a clear metric, it does not adequately capture the nuances of how teens use their devices. For instance, some may engage in educational activities, while others may access harmful content.
One critical aspect of screen addiction is the tendency for some teens to use screens as a means of avoidance. A statement from the addiction questionnaire highlights this behavior: "I play video games so I can forget about my problems." Mary Alvord, a psychologist, notes that avoidance is indicative of anxiety and depression, making it essential to assess a teen's mental health in relation to their screen use.
As the study illustrates, understanding the specific behaviors associated with screen use is vital. Dr. Mitch Prinstein, who co-chairs the American Psychological Association's advisory panel on adolescent social media use, stresses the need to identify concerning features of screen habits, such as withdrawal symptoms and dependence. Nagata's findings from the ABCD study reveal that symptoms of screen addiction are alarmingly common and may worsen over time.
The ABCD study data show that average social media usage among preteens increased significantly from just 7 minutes a day at the start of the study to over 70 minutes by the end. As screen time rises, so do depressive symptoms among these youth. Moving forward, it is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to recognize the signs of screen addiction and its potential impact on adolescent mental health.
