A1 Journal article (refereed)
Problematic Social Media Use and Health Among Adolescents (2021)

Paakkari, L., Tynjälä, J., Lahti, H., Ojala, K., & Lyyra, N. (2021). Problematic Social Media Use and Health Among Adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), Article 1885. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041885

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Paakkari, Leena; Tynjälä, Jorma; Lahti, Henri; Ojala, Kristiina; Lyyra, Nelli

Journal or series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

ISSN: 1661-7827

eISSN: 1660-4601

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 15/02/2021

Volume: 18

Issue number: 4

Article number: 1885

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041885

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74299

Abstract

1) Background: The use of social media has become an integral part of adolescents’ daily lives. However, the intensive use of social media can develop into a health-threatening addiction, but unfavourable health consequences can occur even with less use. Social media user groups categorized as no-risk, moderate risk (of developing problematic behaviour), and problematic use were examined with reference to their prevalence, their associations with individual determinants and health, and the increased health risk between groups. (2) Methods: The Finnish nationally representative HBSC data (persons aged 11, 13, and 15, n = 3408) and descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis were applied. (3) Results: Problematic social media use (9.4%) was most common among older age groups, and among persons with moderate/low school achievement, low health literacy, and low parental monitoring. Belonging to a moderate risk group (33.5%) was most frequent among girls, and among adolescents with low/moderate parental monitoring and health literacy. All the negative health indicators systematically increased if the respondent belonged to a moderate risk or problematic use group. (4) Conclusions: The study confirmed the association between problematic social media use and negative health outcomes and highlighted the need to pay close attention to adolescents at moderate risk who exhibited negative health outcomes.

Keywords: social media; problem use; young people; health

Free keywords: social media; problematic social media use; adolescents; health

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1