Audio long read: Do smartphones and social media really harm teens’ mental health?

Impact of Smartphones on Teen Mental Health

The discussion centers on the potential effects of smartphones and social media on the mental health of adolescents. Data reveals that a significant number of teenagers are online almost constantly, raising concerns among parents about these technologies' impact. While anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in mental health issues, particularly among girls, researchers argue the relationship is complex and not definitively causal. Some studies indicate that issues like depression may arise not directly from social media use but could be the result of pre-existing conditions or societal factors.