Adolescents diagnosed with mental health conditions report experiencing social media differently than their peers without such diagnoses. According to a new study led by the University of Cambridge, these differences include spending more time on social media and feeling less satisfied with their number of online friends.

The research, conducted by Cambridge’s Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC CBU), highlights that teenagers with internalising disorders such as anxiety and depression are particularly affected. They more frequently report comparing themselves to others online, struggling to control the time they spend on social media, and experiencing mood shifts based on likes and comments received.

On average, adolescents with any mental health condition spend about 50 minutes more on social media daily than their peers without such conditions. These findings come from a 2017 NHS Digital survey of 3,340 UK adolescents aged 11 to 19. The study is among the first to use multi-informant clinical assessments gathered from interviews with the adolescents, and in some cases, their parents and teachers rather than relying solely on self-reporting.

Lead author Luisa Fassi emphasized that while the study does not prove social media causes mental health issues, it shows distinct usage patterns between those with and without mental health conditions. "It could be that these conditions influence how adolescents engage with social media, or that certain types of usage worsen their symptoms. We can’t yet determine the direction of the relationship," she said.

The study applied rigorous benchmarks based on prior research on sleep, physical activity, and mental health. Only findings with effects comparable to those well-established factors were considered significant. Social media use data was collected via participant questionnaires, though the study did not ask about specific platforms.

All mental health conditions examined were associated with greater dissatisfaction regarding online friendships. “Adolescence is a critical period for identity development, and social comparisons on platforms where friendships are numerically displayed can be particularly challenging for those already struggling with mental health,” said Fassi.

The study also compared adolescents with internalising conditions (like PTSD, anxiety, and depression) to those with externalising conditions (such as ADHD or conduct disorders). The most notable differences in social media use were found among those with internalising conditions. Nearly half (48%) reported frequently comparing themselves to others online, compared to just 24% of adolescents without mental health conditions. Similarly, 28% experienced mood changes in response to online feedback, double the rate seen in those without a diagnosis. These adolescents also reported less control over their screen time and were less likely to express their true emotions online.

“Many of these behaviours mirror what we see offline,” said Fassi. “Social comparison is common among young people with anxiety and depression, and this tendency clearly extends to their online lives.”

By contrast, adolescents with externalising disorders showed few differences in social media use compared to their peers, aside from increased screen time.

Senior author Dr Amy Orben noted that these insights are valuable for clinical interventions but warned that current understanding remains limited. “This is one of the first large, high-quality studies in this area, which reflects a broader lack of investment in understanding the complex relationship between social media and youth mental health.”

Fassi concluded: “It’s still unclear whether social media plays a causal role in mental health conditions. Answering that will require much more research using experimental designs and real data on how adolescents interact with these platforms.”

She stressed the importance of including diverse mental health conditions- like eating disorders, ADHD, and depression to fully understand how different online experiences affect young people.

Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/adolescents-with-mental-health-conditions-use-social-media-differently-than-their-peers-study