Social Media and Anxiety in Youth

Chochol, Megan D.; Gandhi, Kriti; Croarkin, Paul E.

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.004

Cited by 16Impact of Technology on AdolescentsBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesMental Health via Writing

Social Media and Anxiety in Youth

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Chochol, Megan D., Gandhi, Kriti, Croarkin, Paul E.·2023·Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America

DOI 10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.004

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Abstract

Social media use and related research on psychiatric symptoms continue to increase and evolve rapidly. The potential bidirectional relationships and correlations between social media use and anxiety seem to be understudied. We examine prior research focused on social media use and anxiety disorders, and thus far, correlations have been weak. Nevertheless, these associations may be poorly understood but important. Fear of missing out has been considered a moderator in earlier research. We discuss the limitations of previous research, guidance for clinicians and caregivers, and challenges for future studies in this area.

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Research has identified associations between certain forms of social media engagement and experiences such as social comparison, exposure to distressing content, misinformation, cyberbullying, sleep disruption and difficulties disengaging from online environments.
“Research has identifed associations between certain forms of social media engagement and experiences such as social comparison, exposure to distressing content, misinformation, cyberbullying, sleep disruption and difculties disengaging from online environments [23-25].”
From The Complex and Multifaceted Nature of Social Media: Perspectives From Young Adolescents, Parents and Experts (2026) · cites this paper as [23]

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Authors: Chochol, M. D., Gandhi, K., & Croarkin, P. E.
Affiliations: University of Utah (US)
Children's National (US)
Mayo Clinic (US)
Corresponding author: Chochol, Megan D.
ORCID: Chochol, Megan D.
Gandhi, Kriti
Croarkin, Paul E.
Venue: Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2023-07
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 613-630
ISSN: 1056-4993 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.02.004
OpenAlex: W4361019967
Cited by: 16
References: 46
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 2
FWCI: 0.80
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/legal/tdmrep-license (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/open-access/userlicense/1.0/ (am, 270 d)
doi.org/10.15223/policy-017 (stm-asf)
doi.org/10.15223/policy-037 (stm-asf)
doi.org/10.15223/policy-012 (stm-asf)
doi.org/10.15223/policy-029 (stm-asf)
doi.org/10.15223/policy-004 (stm-asf)
Locations: Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America (acceptedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Pfizer
National Science Foundation
Mayo Clinic
Topics: Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health via Writing
Keywords: social media use, anxiety disorders, youth, fear of missing out, bidirectional relationship, psychiatric symptoms, adolescents
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, Fear, Humans, Social Media

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Social Media and Anxiety in Youth

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