In adolescents aged 13-18, how does frequent social media use, compared with infrequent or minimal use, influence the development or severity of depression?
Molloy Faculty Mentor
Patricia Roth
Presenter Major
Nursing
Presentation Type
Poster
Location
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
1-5-2026 11:15 AM
Description (Abstract)
Background:
Depression rates among adolescents have risen alongside increased social media use, raising concerns about how online interactions influence emotional health and well-being in youth aged 13–18.
Aims: This project explored whether frequent social media use, compared with limited use, affects the development/severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents. The purpose was to understand how patterns of online engagement relate to mental health outcomes.
Methods: Literature published between 2019-2025 was reviewed, including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and narrative analyses. The studies examined relationships among screen time, reported depressive symptoms, & psychosocial influences affecting adolescents. No human participants were involved, and no data from human subjects were used in this study.
Results: Across studies, increased social media use correlated with higher depressive symptoms, emotional distress, and sleep disturbances, with female adolescents demonstrating greater vulnerability.
Conclusions: Frequent social media use may contribute to worsening depressive symptoms in adolescents. Nurses play an important role in screening, education, & promoting healthy technology habits to support adolescent mental health.
Keywords
background, aims, methods, results, conclusions
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
In adolescents aged 13-18, how does frequent social media use, compared with infrequent or minimal use, influence the development or severity of depression?
Wilbur 2nd Floor Corridor, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Background:
Depression rates among adolescents have risen alongside increased social media use, raising concerns about how online interactions influence emotional health and well-being in youth aged 13–18.
Aims: This project explored whether frequent social media use, compared with limited use, affects the development/severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents. The purpose was to understand how patterns of online engagement relate to mental health outcomes.
Methods: Literature published between 2019-2025 was reviewed, including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and narrative analyses. The studies examined relationships among screen time, reported depressive symptoms, & psychosocial influences affecting adolescents. No human participants were involved, and no data from human subjects were used in this study.
Results: Across studies, increased social media use correlated with higher depressive symptoms, emotional distress, and sleep disturbances, with female adolescents demonstrating greater vulnerability.
Conclusions: Frequent social media use may contribute to worsening depressive symptoms in adolescents. Nurses play an important role in screening, education, & promoting healthy technology habits to support adolescent mental health.
