Nature Podcast

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

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Apr 25, 2025
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INSIGHT

Debate on Tech's Mental Health Impact

  • There is intense debate about how much smartphones and social media cause adolescent mental health issues.
  • Some scientists see little large effect, while others blame tech for disrupting sleep and real-world interactions.
INSIGHT

Rising Teen Mental Illness Trends

  • Teen mental illness rates have increased over the past two decades in many countries.
  • This rise coincides with widespread adoption of smartphones by adolescents.
INSIGHT

Complexity in Social Media Studies

  • Many studies show only weak or small associations between social media use and mental health problems.
  • It is unclear if social media causes mental illness or if those with mental illness use it more.
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