Researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, have published the findings of a recent study exploring the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction during adolescent development. As part of the study, the behaviours of 17,409 participants aged 10-21 from across the UK were tracked over time. Findings include: differences in the ages that boys and girls were impacted by their social media use, and that lower life satisfaction can drive increased social media use. In light of these findings, the researchers are calling on governments to introduce legislation compelling social media companies to share data with independent scientists, enabling further to identify which children are most likely to be influenced by social media.
Read the press release: Scientists find that the impact of social media on wellbeing varies across adolescence
Read the report: Windows of developmental sensitivity to social media
Source: Oxford Internet Institute, Nature Communications
Date: 28 March 2022
