Pixels and perception: Mapping the association between digital media and psychotic-like experiences in adolescents

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) during adolescence can lead to psychotic disorders. Digital media usage has been suggested to link to PLEs, but research is limited on how different types of screen exposure may differentially relate to PLEs over time. This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between screen usage patterns and PLEs in adolescents.

Participants comprised 11,876 adolescents assessed annually from ages 9-12 years as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (ABCD). Screen usage (TV, video games, online video, social media, texting, video chat) and PLEs were assessed via self-report. Longitudinal network analysis models were estimated to examine connections between screen usage types and PLEs across three time points.

Two clusters were formed, including digital media for socializing (e.g., social media/texting/video chat) and digital media for entertainment (e.g., online video/video games/TV). Texting and online video(s) had the highest centrality at each time point, suggesting importance in the network. PLE symptoms of hallucinations and concentration difficulties exhibited higher centrality than other symptoms. Online video and TV were influential bridges between screen usage and PLEs. Network structure significantly differed between ages 9-10 and 10-12 years, but global strength was unchanged over time.

Results highlight the importance of understanding the associations between specific screen usage types and PLE symptoms. Texting and online video usage appear most influential in the development of adolescent PLEs over time. Findings can inform targeted interventions to promote healthy screen habits and reduce PLEs in at-risk youth.