Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Digital Media

Abstract

Today’s adolescents are often considered to be digital natives given the near-ubiquity of their access and use of these technologies. In the context of the near-ubiquity of digital media, studies have endeavored to understand the relationship between digital media use and common mental health concerns of depression and anxiety. This chapter begins with an overview of depression and anxiety among adolescents. After providing that background, the chapter reviews the state of the science of the relationship between these two critical mental health issues and social media use. Both potential risks and benefits of social media use on mental health are explored. Finally, throughout the chapter we consider other factors that may influence these relationships between digital media use, depression and anxiety. The chapter concludes with considering clinical implications and future research directions.