Risk Factors for Problematic Social Media Use in Youth: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

A growing body of research indicates that problematic social media use can have detrimental effects on adolescents' mental health and well-being. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on longitudinal risk factors contributing to the development of problematic social media use in adolescents, defined as the use of social media impacting physical or mental well-being. The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases, including articles published from 2010 onwards. Out of 1,729 screened articles, 23 were included. Findings on risk factors related to individuals and their social environment were categorized into nine groups: motivations for use, parenting factors, adverse childhood experiences, peer factors, emotions, self-regulation, personality, mental health, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Peer factors (e.g., poor social relationships, social comparison, fear of missing out, negative peer pressure, exposure to relational aggression), negative emotions, personality traits (e.g., sensation seeking), and poor mental health emerged as the most common risk factors. Due to methodological limitations in the studies included, further research is necessary. It is essential to use clinical samples, objective measures, and consistent conceptualizations to contribute to a better understanding of problematic social media use as well as its mechanisms and effects.