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How Screen Time and Social Media Hyperconnection Have Harmed Adolescents’ Relational and Psychological Well-Being since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Antonio Tintori

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies-National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia Ciancimino

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies-National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Loredana Cerbara

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies-National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in screen time and hyperconnection on social media is raising significant concerns, with particular emphasis of their effects on the relational and psychological well-being of children and adolescents. The present study analyses data from two representative cross-sectional surveys conducted among Italian adolescents in 2019 and 2022. Through bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression models, the study examines changes in screen time on social media, identifies key socio-demographic predictors of hyperconnection, and explores its effects on both the relational and psychological well-being of young people. The findings reveal the profound impact of the pandemic on daily social media use, showing a significant increase across all social groups regardless of socio-demographic characteristics, with girls consistently exhibiting higher levels of hyperconnection. Additionally, the results indicate that hyperconnected individuals are 1.4 times more likely to experience negative psychological states compared to their peers. The effects of hyperconnection vary by gender, influencing both horizontal and vertical social interactions, reducing trust in adult figures, increasing the likelihood of cyberbullying victimisation, phubbing, and body image concerns, and fostering the belief that online relationships can replace offline ones. Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for more effective prevention, awareness, and educational strategies aimed at educators, parents, and adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Tintori & Giulia Ciancimino & Loredana Cerbara, 2024. "How Screen Time and Social Media Hyperconnection Have Harmed Adolescents’ Relational and Psychological Well-Being since the COVID-19 Pandemic," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-13, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:9:p:470-:d:1472406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antonio Tintori & Giulia Ciancimino & Rossella Palomba & Cristiana Clementi & Loredana Cerbara, 2021. "The Impact of Socialisation on Children’s Prosocial Behaviour. A Study on Primary School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.
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