Social media use and display of depressive symptoms online by adolescents and young adults

Abstract

The relationship between depressive symptoms in adolescents and their use of social media has been a highly relevant topic to parents, teachers, and behavioral health clinicians. From an adult perspective, social media use may appear to fall into the realm of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, meaning risky behaviors which depressed adolescents are more likely to engage in. Or social media may be an activity which has both a potential for exhibiting risky behaviors and growing positive behaviors. In this chapter, we investigate further the associations between depressive symptoms and social media use by examining qualitative data, as well as longitudinal and quantitative data indicative of depressive symptoms in an online environment. This investigation emphasizes the complexity of this relationship. We seek to guide clinicians to appreciate that each adolescent will have their own unique experience with social media. By asking the right questions, clinicians may help guide adolescents to use social media for their benefit as opposed to their detriment.