The Mental Health Impacts and Moderation Responsibility of Social Media Use for US and Non-US Adolescents

This study examines adolescents’ perspectives on social media’s role in their mental health and the responsibilities for moderating social media use. Analyzing responses from the New York Times Learning Network prompt, Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) compares US and non-US adolescent perceptions of social media impacts on mental health. This study also highlights US and other countries (non-US) adolescents’ views on who should be responsible for social media use moderation. This research can inform the development of effective strategies for social media use regulation and mental health interventions tailored to the diverse needs of adolescents in the US and worldwide.