Julia Zonca
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Carol Scott
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Pervasive Health Informatics Group / Information
Program: UROP
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors: Julia Zonca, Carol Scott
Abstract
The grief, trauma, and isolation of the last few years have driven thousands of American youth to a breaking point, causing a nationwide mental health crisis. Because youth social media use is ubiquitous, especially since the onset of COVID-19, evidence suggests it can accentuate youths’ mental health crisis. The almost connectivity can have toxic effects on young users, including being associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. In 2021, we conducted a 4-month long ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with 125 U.S. teens (ages 13-17), assessing their depression, anxiety, and social media use at random times once a day. We also examined suspected covariates daily, including social comparison, envy, and rumination. Lastly, before and at the cessation of the EMA, we collected data on various health indicators, including trauma experiences and exposure, alcohol and substance use, self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction. While we are currently analyzing the data, the findings will help us determine when, under what circumstances, and for whom social media use creates opportunities for mental health concerns, amplify the risk for, or neither. Once we better understand which youth are most at risk and why, we will leverage study findings and design targeted mobile health (mHealth) interventions that aim to decrease mental health symptomatology, increase access to care, and improve the lives of millions of young Americans.
