Adolescent social media use and psychiatric outcomes: a longitudinal mediation analysis via interpersonal distrust, sleep, and self-image

Social media use is prospectively associated with psychiatric symptoms in adolescence to the extent that it fosters interpersonal distrust, delays bedtime, and degrades self-image, especially for females. Interventions aimed at promoting trust and belonging, good sleep hygiene, and positive self-image, should be considered from a public health perspective.