Online communication patterns impact adolescent mental health differently

In a study in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, researchers found that online communication with friends was associated with adolescents' mental well-being, but patterns varied by both frequency of communication and the type of friendship.

For the study, investigators analyzed responses from 3,034 15-year-olds participating in the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 Swedish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children surveys.

Intense online communication with close friends and larger groups was associated with better mental well-being. Moderate or intense communication with online-only friends was linked with poorer well-being, particularly among girls and adolescents who perceived their families as less wealthy.

Source:

Wiley

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