The results of a new survey by the World Health Organization. There is also a serious problem with the game.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that more and more teenagers in Europe are showing signs of social media addiction. On the other hand, a significant percentage shows a problematic relationship with digital games (games).
These are the main results New research from the WHO European Region about teenagers’ online habits. Apparently, more than one in ten people (11%) are currently using social media in a problematic way. In 2018, the corresponding percentage was only 7%.
Girls are more likely to use social media problematically than boys (13% vs. 9%).
The survey also found that more than one in three teenagers (36%) are in constant online communication with their friends. The highest rate of continuous communication (44%) is observed in 15-year-old girls.
Equally worrying is the fact that 12% of teenagers are at risk of engaging in problematic gaming behaviour. It is more common in boys than in girls (16% vs. 7%).
In addition, one in three teenagers (34%) play digital games every day. Almost a quarter (22%) play for at least 4 hours at a time.
The new study was conducted on nearly 280,000 11, 13 and 15 year olds from 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Canada.
What does “problematic use” mean?
WHO notes that problematic use of social media occurs when it is accompanied by addiction-like symptoms. These include:
- Not being able to control the use of social media
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Neglecting other activities because you are busy with social media
- Negative consequences in everyday life due to excessive use
WHO reports that the increase in problematic use raises major concerns about the impact on adolescents. Previous studies have shown that there are users problematically, social media states:
- Low mental and social well-being
- Decreased life satisfaction
- Increased levels of substance use (mainly smoking, alcohol consumption and intoxication, cannabis use)
Benefits of healthy use
While the new study highlights the dangers of problematic use, it also lists the benefits of healthy/responsible use. Apparently, adolescents who use social networks verbalize:
- Stronger peer support
- Better social connections
“It is clear that social media can have both positive and negative effects on the health and well-being of adolescents.” said Dr. Hans Henry P. KlugeWHO Regional Director for Europe.
And he added that immediate and sustained action should be taken to help teenagers stop the potentially harmful use of this media, as it can lead to:
- Depression
- violence
- Anxiety disorders
- Poor academic performance