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Behind the screen: Social media use and internalizing problems in adolescents
L M Berges1, S J Ravensbergen1, P So2
1Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Problematic social media use, not just time online, is linked to adolescent internalizing problems, particularly in girls. Most effects were small, suggesting cautious interpretation of social media
Area of Science:
- Adolescent psychology
- Digital mental health
- Longitudinal studies
Background:
- Adolescent social media use is rising, with mixed findings on its link to depression and anxiety.
- Concerns persist regarding the impact of social media on adolescent mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal associations between social media use (time and problematic use) and internalizing problems in adolescents.
- To investigate potential sex differences in these associations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 866 adolescents (iBerry Study) assessed at ages 15 and 18.
- Data collected on daily social media time, compulsive internet use, and internalizing problems (Youth Self-Report).
- Regression models adjusted for confounders.
Main Results:
- Average daily social media use increased from 3.77h at 15 to 6.07h at 18.
- Time spent on social media showed no significant association with internalizing problems.
- Problematic social media use was consistently linked to more internalizing problems, especially in girls, and higher odds of depressive symptoms at age 15.
Conclusions:
- Problematic social media use, rather than total time spent, showed more consistent associations with adolescent internalizing problems.
- Observed effects were generally small and of limited practical significance.
- Findings emphasize distinguishing problematic use from time spent online for accurate interpretation.
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