Study finds ´sweet spot´ in teens' social media use

An Australian study has identified a "sweet spot" in teenagers' social media use, finding that moderate engagement is linked to better well-being than either excessive use or complete avoidance, reported Xinhua.

Researchers found that teenagers using social media for up to 12.5 hours per week were more likely to report positive well-being outcomes. In contrast, both excessive use and no use were associated with poorer well-being, said a statement of Australia's Adelaide University released Friday.

The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from more than 100,000 Australian students in grades 4 to 12 between 2019 and 2022, examining how time spent on social media relates to happiness, life satisfaction, emotional regulation and other key indicators of well-being.

Social media's relationship with teen wellbeing is complex, varies by age and sex, and should not be viewed in black-and-white terms, said lead author Ben Singh from Adelaide University.

"Public debate often frames social media as being harmful to teenagers' wellbeing, but our findings suggest the reality is far more nuanced," Singh said.

He said that social media has little impact on well-being in younger children, whose social needs are largely met offline, but becomes more important in middle adolescence as a space for peer connections, identity expression and belonging.

The study also reinforced concerns about high levels of use, consistently associated with increased sadness, anxiety and difficulties managing emotions, underscoring the importance of balanced use, Singh said.

"Helping teenagers find a healthy middle ground may be more effective than a blanket ban or total avoidance," he added.

Australia's world-first social media ban on under-16s took effect last December, requiring major platforms including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X to prevent minors from holding accounts.