ITNOW's Popular Computer Science (or PopCompSci) brings the most exciting stories from around the world of computer science together for a taste of the unexpected ways in which tech is impacting our lives. Here, we tell you how researchers from the University of Manchester found that social media bans can sometimes exacerbate rather than solve mental health challenges.
As politicians in the US, France and other countries introduce legislation banning young people from freely using social media, new research indicates these bans may not address youth mental health problems and could do more harm than good.
Recent discussions about social media's impact on youth mental health have increased, particularly after the release of social psychologist Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' ban on social media use for those under 14. Since last year, over 20 new online child safety laws have been enacted by 13 states, with more forthcoming.
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Experts from the #So.Me study, led by the University of Manchester’s Institute of Education, stress that our understanding of social media's impact is still developing, and political actions must be based on solid evidence. They note that recent research finds no concrete evidence that social media negatively affects most young people's mental health, contrasting with some popular but unfounded accounts.
The researchers argue that such bans are reminiscent of historical technology panics and highlight the complexity of adolescent mental health, which is influenced by many factors beyond social media. They warn that a ban would be ineffective, create a false sense of security and divert attention from root causes such as childhood adversity, deprivation and discrimination.
There are also some groups — LGBTQ+ young people in particular — for whom social media is a vital means to find solace and connection, which a ban would take away.
