Digital and social media use among adolescents in Arctic Norway: Exploring risk and protective factors in Finnmark County

Digital and social media use among adolescents in Finnmark County, Arctic Norway, has increased significantly over the past decade. However, the mechanisms linking risk and protective factors to these behaviors remain underexplored. This study examines the associations between individual, environmental, and behavioral factors influencing digital and social media use among high school students in Finnmark. Using data from the 2021 Ungdata survey, which included responses from 2086 high school students in Finnmark County, the research examined associations between individual factors, environmental influences (e.g., family, peers, schools), and risk behaviors (e.g., substance use, antisocial behavior) through partial least squares structural equation modeling with stepwise regression. The findings revealed distinct patterns: digital media use was associated with environmental factors such as relationships with parents, school connectedness, and satisfaction with the local area. In contrast, social media use was associated with peer dynamics, internal feelings, and negative experiences, including depression and sexual harassment. While media use fostered social connections, heavy use was associated with reduced physical activity and face-to-face interactions, exacerbating regional challenges like geographic isolation and cultural diversity. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between digital and social media in research and interventions, integrating the unique sociocultural context of Finnmark. Future studies should explore the behavioral dimensions of media use and incorporate ethnicity-related factors to deepen the understanding of adolescent media behaviors in Arctic regions.