The influence of social media on adolescent mental health: Testing a theoretical model

This project aims to deliver the broadest and most thorough evaluation to date of the complex relationship between social media and adolescents’ mental health. Using a novel empirically-based theoretical model, we will establish how and why social media impacts mental health. The model will be tested in two longitudinal studies; one assessing school students over 12 months, and a second intensively assessing students daily over 2 weeks. The results will provide a much-needed new framework for future research, facilitating innovative work to promote mental health and wellbeing via social media.