Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Technology and Adolescent Mental Health pp 73–88Cite as

Social Media Use and Display of Depressive Symptoms Online by Adolescents and Young Adults

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 6820 Accesses

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Jelenchick LA, Eickhoff JC, Moreno MA. Facebook depression? Social networking site use and depression in older adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2013;52:128–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Primack BA, et al. Using ecological momentary assessment to determine media use by individuals with and without major depressive disorder. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011;165(4):360–5.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Selfhout MHW, et al. Different types of internet use, depression, and social anxiety: the role of perceived friendship quality. J Adolesc. 2009;32(4):819–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Sampasa-Kanyinga H, Lewis RF. Frequent use of social networking sites is associated with poor psychological functioning among children and adolescents. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2015;18(7):380–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lenhart A. Teen, social media and technology overview 2015. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center; 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Shaw AM, et al. Correlates of Facebook usage patterns: the relationship between passive Facebook use, social anxiety symptoms, and brooding. Comput Hum Behav. 2015;48:575–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ybarra ML, Alexander C, Mitchell KJ. Depressive symptomatology, youth internet use, and online interactions: a national survey. J Adolesc Health. 2005;36:9–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Steers M-LN, Wickham RE, Acitelli LK. Seeing everyone else’s highlight reels: how Facebook usage is linked to depressive symptoms. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2014;33:701–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. van den Eijnden RJJM, et al. Online communication, compulsive internet use, and psychosocial well-being among adolescents: a longitudinal study. Dev Psychol. 2008;44:655–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Lin LY, et al. Association between social media use and depression among U.S. young adults. Depress Anxiety. 2016;33(4):323–31.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Tsitsika AK, et al. Online social networking in adolescence: patterns of use in six European countries and links with psychosocial functioning. J Adolesc Health. 2014;55(1):141–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Seabrook EM, Kern ML, Rickard NS. Social networking sites, depression, and anxiety: a systematic review. JMIR Mental Health. 2016;3:e50.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Banjanin N, et al. Relationship between internet use and depression: focus on physiological mood oscillations, social networking and online addictive behavior. Comput Hum Behav. 2015;43:308–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Dumitrache SD, Mitrofan L, Petrov Z. Self-image and depressive tendencies among adolescent Facebook users. Revista de Psihologie. 2012;58:285–95.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Frison E, Subrahmanyam K, Eggermont S. The short-term longitudinal and reciprocal relations between peer victimization on Facebook and Adolescents’ well-being. J Youth Adolesc. 2016;45(9):1755–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Frison E, Eggermont S. The impact of daily stress on adolescents’ depressed mood: the role of social support seeking through Facebook. Comput Hum Behav. 2015;44:315–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Moreau A, et al. Psychopathological profiles of adolescent and young adult problematic Facebook users. Comput Hum Behav. 2015;44:64–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Morin-Major JK, et al. Facebook behaviors associated with diurnal cortisol in adolescents: is befriending stressful? Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2016;63:238–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Pantic I, et al. Association between online social networking and depression in high school students: behavioral physiology viewpoint. Psychiatr Danub. 2012;24:90–3.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hanprathet N, et al. Facebook addiction and its relationship with mental health among Thai high scool students. J Med Assoc Thail. 2015;98:81–90.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Davila J, et al. Frequency and quality of social networking among young adults: associations with depressive symptoms, rumination, and corumination. Psychol Popular Media Culture. 2012;1:72–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Feinstein BA, et al. Another venue for problematic interpersonal behavior: the effects of depressive and anxious symptoms on social networking experiences. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2012;31:356–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Moberg FB, Anestis MD. A preliminary examination of the relationship between social networking interactions, internet use, and thwarted belongingness. Crisis. 2015;36:187–93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Bazarova NN, et al. Psychological distress and emotional expression on Facebook. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2017;20(3):157–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Sampasa-Kanyinga H, Hamilton HA. Social networking sites and mental health problems in adolescents: the mediating role of cyberbullying victimization. Eur Psychiatry. 2015;30(8):1021–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Woods HC, Scott H. #Sleepyteens: social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. J Adolesc. 2016;51:41–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Stapleton P, Luiz G, Chatwin H. Generation validation: the role of social comparison in use of Instagram among emerging adults. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2017;20(3):142–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Yang C. Instagram use, loneliness, and social comparison orientation: interact and browse on social media, but don’t compare. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016;19(12):703–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Alvarez-Jimenez M, et al. Online social media: new data, new horizons in psychosis treatment. Schizophr Res. 2015;166:345–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Grieve R, Watkinson J. The psychological benefits of being authentic on Facebook. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016;19(7):420–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Rose CA, Tynes BM. Longitudinal associations between cybervictimization and mental health among U.S. adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2015;57:305–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Gámez-Guadix M, et al. Longitudinal and reciprocal relations of cyberbullying with depression, substance use, and problematic internet use among adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2013;53(4):446–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Davis RA. Cognitive-behavioral model of pathological internet use. Comput Hum Behav. 2001;17:187–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Homan CM, et al. Social structure and depression in TrevorSpace. In: 17th ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing. 2014. Baltimore, MD, p 615–624.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Park J, et al. When perceptions defy reality: the relationships between depression and actual and perceived Facebook social support. J Affect Disord. 2016;200:37–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Appel H, Crusius J, Gerlach AL. Social comparison, envy, and depression on Facebook: a study looking at the effects of high comparison standards on depressed individuals. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2015;34:277–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Gilbert P. The relationship of shame, social anxiety and depression: the role of the evaluation of social rank. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2000;7(3):174–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Takahashi Y, et al. Potential benefits and harms of a peer support social network service on the internet for people with depressive tendencies: qualitative content analysis and social network analysis. J Med Internet Res. 2009;11(3):e29.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Collin P, et al. Literature review: the benefits of social networking services. Melbourne, VIC: CRC for Young People, Technology and Well being; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  40. O’Keeffe GS, Clarke-Pearson K. The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics. 2011;127:800–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Gonzales AL, Hancock JT. Mirror, mirror on my Facebook wall: effects of exposure to facebook on self-esteem. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011;14:79–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Moreno MA, Kolb J. Social networking sites and adolescent health. Pediatr Clin N Am. 2012;59:601–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Lenhart A. Teens, social media and technology overview 2015: smartphones facilitate shifts in communication landscape for teens. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center; 2015. p. 1–47.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Robinson J, et al. Social media and suicide prevention: a systematic review. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2016;10:103–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Belfort EL, Mezzacappa E, Ginnis K. Similarities and differences among adolescents who communicate suicidality to others via electronic versus other means: a pilot study. Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012;2:258–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Silenzio VMB, et al. Connecting the invisible dots: reaching lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents and young adults at risk for suicide through online social networks. Soc Sci Med. 2009;69:469–74.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Cash SJ, et al. Adolescent suicide statements on MySpace. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2013;16:1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Greidanus E, Everall RD. Helper therapy in an online suicide prevention community. Br J Guid Counc. 2010;38:191–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Hawton K, Saunders KE, O’Connor R. Self-harm and suicide in adolescents. Lancet. 2012;379:2373–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Dyson MP, et al. A systematic review of social media use to discuss and view deliberate self-harm acts. PLoS One. 2015;11(5):e0155813.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Barak A, Dolev-Cohen M. Does activity level in online support groups for distressed adolescents determine emotional relief. Couns Psychol Q. 2006;6(3):186–90.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Murray CD, Fox J. Do internet self-harm discussion groups alleviate or exacerbate self-harming behaviour? Aust e-J Adv Mental Health. 2006;5(3):1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Duggan J, et al. An examination of the scope and nature of non-suicidal self-injury online activities: implications for school mental health professionals. Sch Ment Heal. 2012;4(1):56–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Smithson J, et al. Membership and boundary maintenance on an online self-harm forum. Qual Health Res. 2011;21(11):1567–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Hilton CE. Unveiling self-harm behaviour: what can social media site Twitter tell us about self-harm? A qualitative exploration. J Clin Nurs. 2016;26:1690–704.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Pirkis J, Norderntoft M. Media influences on suicide and attempted suicide. In: O’Connor R, Platt S, Gordon J, editors. International handbook of suicide prevention. New York: Wiley-Blackwell; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Cash SJ, et al. Adolescent suicide statements on MySpace. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2013;16(3):166–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Moreno MA, et al. Secret society 123: understanding the language of self-harm on Instagram. J Adolesc Health. 2016;58(1):78–84.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  59. Radovic A, et al. Depressed adolescents’ positive and negative use of social media. J Adolesc. 2017;55:5–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Cavazos-Rehg P, et al. An analysis of depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation content on Tumblr. Crisis. 2017;38(1):44–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Wegmann E, Stodt B, Brand M. Addictive use of social networking sites can be explained by the interaction of internet use expectancies, internet literacy, and psychopathological symptoms. J Behav Addict. 2015;4:155–62.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  62. Sprecher S, Hendrick SS. Self-disclosure in intimate relationships self–disclosure in intimate relationships: associations with individual and relationship characteristics over time. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2004;23:857–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Moreno MA, et al. Feeling bad on Facebook: depression disclosures by college students on a social networking site. Depress Anxiety. 2011;28:447–55.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  64. Andreassen CS, et al. The relationship between addictive use of social media and video games and symptoms of psychiatric disorders: a large-scale cross-sectional study. Psychol Addict Behav. 2016;30:252–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Moreno MA, et al. A pilot evaluation of associations between displayed depression references on Facebook and self-reported depression using a clinical scale. J Behav Health Serv Res. 2012;39:295–304.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Walther JB, Parks MR. Cues filtered out, cues filtered in: computer mediated communication and relationships. In: Miller GR, editor. The handbook of interpersonal communication. Thousand Oaks: Sage; 2002. p. 529–63.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Wallace P, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an interactive web-based intervention for reducing alcohol consumption. J Telemed Telecare. 2006;12(Suppl 1):52–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Fleming PJ. Software and sympathy: therapeutic interaction with the computer. In: Fish SL, editor. Talking to strangers: mediated therapeutic communication. Norwood: Ablex; 1990. p. 170–83.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Christofides E, Muise A, Desmarais S. Information disclosure and control on Facebook: are they two sides of the same coin or two different processes? Cyberpsychol Behav. 2009;12(3):341–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Dawson DA, et al. Another look at heavy episodic drinking and alcohol use disorders among college and noncollege youth. J Stud Alcohol. 2004;65:477–88.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Whitehill JM, Brockman LN, Moreno MA. “Just talk to me”: communicating with college students about depression disclosures on facebook. J Adolesc Health. 2013;52(1):122–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  72. Kujath CL. Facebook and MySpace: complement or Substitute for Face-to-Face Interaction? CyberPsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011;14(1/2):75–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Ana Radovic

  2. Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Olga Santesteban-Echarri, Mario Álvarez-Jiménez & Simon M. Rice

  3. Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Olga Santesteban-Echarri, Mario Álvarez-Jiménez & Simon M. Rice

  4. Department of Psychology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain

    Olga Santesteban-Echarri

  5. School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    John Gleeson

  6. Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA

    Megan A. Moreno

Authors
  1. Ana Radovic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Olga Santesteban-Echarri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mario Álvarez-Jiménez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. John Gleeson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Simon M. Rice
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Megan A. Moreno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ana Radovic .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Megan A. Moreno

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Ana Radovic

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Radovic, A., Santesteban-Echarri, O., Álvarez-Jiménez, M., Gleeson, J., Rice, S.M., Moreno, M.A. (2018). Social Media Use and Display of Depressive Symptoms Online by Adolescents and Young Adults. In: Moreno, M., Radovic, A. (eds) Technology and Adolescent Mental Health . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69638-6_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69638-6_6

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-69637-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-69638-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation