Online technologies provided peer support for teen mental health during the pandemic

There is currently a mental health epidemic among adolescent girls, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have argued that digital technologies are to blame for this, however, empirical reports have been conflicting, with some research highlighting both positive and negative effects of social technology use on teen emotional health

Dr. Jennifer Silk and Dr. Kiera James at the University of Pittsburgh are clinical psychologists who specialize in the development of affective disorders, such as anxiety, depression and suicidality, in adolescents.  Their research shows that some forms of social technology use, such as texting and videochatting, contributed in positive ways to emotional health in teen girls during the COVID 19 pandemic by promoting a sense of closeness with peers.

Read more about their research:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-023-01040-5

Please note: In this episode we’re talking about the use of social media and similar technologies, and their impact on the wellbeing of teen girls during COVID-19 lockdowns. This includes discussion of mental health crises. Understandably, this may be a sensitive topic for some listeners, so discretion is advised.