Research shows link between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and teen well-being

A new study from the University of Manchester has shown that there is a link between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and well-being in young people, with young people with the healthiest lifestyles experiencing the highest well-being.

The research, led by Dr Chris Knowles and a team of experts from the Manchester Institute of Education as part of the #BeeWell programme, analysed the habits of almost 18,500 Year 8 pupils from Greater Manchester. The findings showed that teenagers who used social media more often tended to have less healthy lifestyles.

The study aimed to understand the relationship between different health habits (being physically active, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet) and the mental well-being of young people. Three groups were identified based on these habits: the “Green and Dream Team” (the most active group, likely to get enough sleep and have the highest intake of fruits and vegetables), the “Balanced Bunch” (a group with more moderate scores on all of these factors) and the “Wellness Weary” (those with the least healthy habits).

About 45 percent of teens fell into the healthiest group, 40 percent into the moderately healthy group, and 15 percent into the least healthy category. The study found that those who were part of the “Green and Dream Team” reported better mental well-being a year later than the other groups.

Social media use was one of the most important factors that influenced a teen’s group membership. Compared to the “Green and Dream Team,” teens who spent more time on social media were more likely to belong to less healthy groups (namely, the “Balanced Bunch” and the “Wellness Weary”). In contrast, those who used less social media were more active, slept better, and ate more fruits and vegetables.

The research also revealed that socioeconomic deprivation played a major role in determining a young person’s health habits, with teenagers from deprived areas of Greater Manchester significantly less likely to be Green and Dream Team members. In fact, of all indicators, deprivation was the strongest predictor of healthy lifestyles, highlighting the continued importance of tackling social inequality to reduce gaps in public health.

Interestingly, the study found that Black and Asian teenagers were more likely to have poor health habits (such as less physical activity and sleep), but previous research has shown that Black and Asian young people tend to report better mental health outcomes than their white peers. This paints a complex picture of how different social and lifestyle factors influence the health and mental wellbeing of different ethnic groups.

The research supports the ongoing efforts of the NHS and the government to improve the physical and mental health of young people, and calls for further action to tackle the impact of social media and social inequality on daily life.

“Our findings have important implications for young people’s health and wellbeing,” said Dr Chris Knowles. “There is a long-term need to address deep societal issues such as inequality, which we have shown has strong links to unhealthy behaviours. In the meantime, reducing social media use is a more immediately actionable change that could help to promote healthier lifestyles in the short term. We also recognise that young people are more likely to report that social media can benefit their wellbeing, so future changes should aim to strike a balance.”

“It is vital that as a country we consistently and rigorously measure the wellbeing of our young people, as this gives us vital clues about what they are experiencing and the issues that are affecting them. Armed with these insights, schools, government, health systems and civil society can take action on the results to create real change and improvements for the wellbeing of young people,” said Professor Neil Humphrey, #BeeWell Lead at The University of Manchester.