Adolescent psychological well-being around the world began to decrease with the rise in the use of smartphones and internet use. Researchers reported on an international study of over one million adolescents between 2012 and 2018. They found school loneliness had doubled. Girls experienced the largest increases, compared to boys. At the group level they found social media use reduced in person social interactions which protect against loneliness–whether or not the adolescents used social media. In the US, by 2016, 83% of adolescents used social media. Digital media has many benefits, but it favors shallow interactions.
PositiveTip: Whenever possible, foster in person social interactions for good mental health.