Different types of screens do not have the same impact on adolescent well-being

A study conducted at Université Laval involving 58,472 young Quebecers reveals that not all screen usages are equal concerning adolescents' mental health. Researchers examined five types of digital activities and their relationship with flourishing, an indicator of positive mental well-being.

Variable thresholds depending on activities

The results show significant differences between screen types:

• Video games and internet browsing are associated with a decrease in flourishing after the first 15 minutes of daily use.
• Social media, television, and messaging show a slight improvement in flourishing scores between 30 and 60 minutes per day, but this effect diminishes beyond two hours.

The social dimension in question

The hypothesis put forward to explain these differences concerns the social aspect. Social media and messaging allow maintaining contact with friends, which can foster positive relationships. However, researcher Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay emphasizes that the observed benefits remain minimal and that face-to-face interactions remain essential for the development of social skills.

The study also reminds us that screen time encroaches on important activities such as reading, sports, or sleep, with potential repercussions on overall health.

To learn more, consult the full article published in the journal Public Health.

Source : 📱 Screens and teens: social media, video games... which is most harmful to mental health?

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