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The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Wellbeing Among Young Australians

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  • Andrew Leigh
  • Stephen Robson

Abstract

Using multiple sources, we document a substantial worsening in the mental wellbeing of Australians aged 15-24, as measured by surveys, self-harm hospitalisations and suicide deaths. The shift began around 2007-2010 and is worse for young women than for young men. While several factors could be to blame, we present six pieces of evidence suggesting that smartphones and social media may have played a causal role in damaging the mental health of young Australians.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Leigh & Stephen Robson, 2024. "The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Wellbeing Among Young Australians," CESifo Working Paper Series 11563, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11563
    as

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    File URL: https://www.cesifo.org/DocDL/cesifo1_wp11563.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Luca Braghieri & Ro'ee Levy & Alexey Makarin, 2022. "Social Media and Mental Health," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(11), pages 3660-3693, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    mental health; technology; smartphones; social media;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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