PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Adolescents are using social media more than ever before, which can lead to some health problems.
The numbers are startling: Teens spend an average of 7.5 hours using digital media each day. Most adolescents also report engagement with multiple digital platforms — often simultaneously.
Psychologists are warning that there can be a danger. Peer relationships are very important during teenage years, and studies have shown that social acceptance online actually can cause a response in the brain similar to its response to money.
However, on the other side, social rejection can have both short- and long-term negative impact. Other key issues include cyberbullying, loss of sleep and decreased exercise. The price can be high.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.