How Adolescents Use Social Media to Navigate Their Mental Health: Examining Reddit's “/r/teenagers” Community

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in screen time, particularly among adolescents. Among twelve and thirteen-year-olds, this number has doubled since the pandemic, with an average of 7.7 hours of non-school-related screen time a day (Fitzpatrick et al., 2020). As more educational resources, social interactions, and commercial transactions are moving online, the trend of increased screen time is showing no signs of slowing down. One specific area of screen time that has seen significant growth is social media (Moreno et al., 2009). Social media platforms provide free and accessible ways for users to connect with others around the world. They have transformed the way people communicate and share information (Rosen et al., 2013), but they also raise concerns about their impact on adolescent mental health (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). As the rates of adolescent depression continue to rise, it is essential to explore how young people use social media to navigate their mental health. It is also critical to examine the safety and reliability of mental health communities on social media, as these groups can provide vital support for those who may be struggling (Andreassen et al., 2017). Nonetheless, the humorous use of social media by young people for addressing mental health issues cannot be ignored, and more research is needed to understand this phenomenon (Wang et al., 2020).

Mental health is a crucial aspect of an individual's overall well-being, encompassing emotional, social, and physiological dimensions. Mental health issues can be caused by a range of factors such as genetic predispositions and traumatic experiences, leading to the development of a wide range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and many others (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While numerous studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between screen time, social media, and adolescent mental health, the findings are still inconclusive (Twenge et al., 2018). Some studies suggest that social media usage can lead to lower self-esteem and increased anxiety levels (Kross et al., 2013), while others propose that screen time can promote cognitive growth and enhance extracurricular involvement (Canadian Paediatric Society, 2017). Although the results are not definitive, it is clear that excessive screen time has the potential to harm adolescent mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to continue exploring the relationship between screen time and mental health, to better understand how to promote positive mental health outcomes for young people.

Limiting screen time among adolescents is a complex issue, and it is important to consider how young people are coping with the mental health issues that arise from screen use. In recent years, economic recession and family breakdown have made it increasingly challenging for adolescents to access professional support for their mental health (Blum et al., 2000; Mojtabai, 2010). As a result, many young people have turned to social media platforms, which offer a sense of community and a place to seek help, regardless of geographic location or financial constraints. These online communities provide an accessible space for young people to share their experiences and connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of these platforms in providing effective support for mental health issues. While online communities can offer valuable emotional support, they are not a substitute for professional therapy or treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to explore how to best leverage social media and other digital tools to support young people's mental health and ensure that they have access to the resources and care they need.