Social Media

A study found TikTok's algorithm recommended more Republican-aligned content during the 2024 US election. Republican accounts saw more like-minded content, while Democratic accounts were shown more opposing views. This suggests a pro-Republican skew.

New research shows TikTok users encounter less content critical of China and more content aligned with pro-CCP narratives compared to other platforms. Heavy TikTok users also report more favorable views of China’s human rights record.

A study found that pandemic-related stress and TikTok exposure contributed to a surge in functional tic-like behaviors among adolescents, with most improving after restrictions eased, though many faced ongoing mental health and psychosocial challenges.

Teens who prefer digital communication over face-to-face interactions show higher social anxiety levels, with this link associated with brain activity patterns related to emotion regulation.

Increased short video usage among elementary school students is associated with reduced attention and lower academic performance, according to new research.

Why does misinformation thrive on social media? A new study published in Science points to outrage as a key driver.

Most U.S. adolescents, including 63.8% under 13, use social media despite age restrictions, with TikTok being the most popular. Many show signs of addiction, and 6.3% have secret accounts hidden from parents.

A recent study found that early teens who spend more time on social media, texting, or video chatting are more likely to experiment with alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis.

A recent study reveals that using a slimming filter prompts individuals to make harmful comparisons between their real and filtered selves. This "social self-comparison" leads to negative outcomes such as increased body dissatisfaction and self-objectification.

Recent research found that heavy social media use has little impact on mental health, with no strong links to depression, anxiety, or stress. Social media’s effects might even be slightly positive in some cases.

Digitally mature teens report feeling more socially connected, which is associated with engaging with real-life friends online and prioritizing compassionate goals.

A study of 35 million Facebook posts found that 75% of shared links were shared without users clicking on them, with political content—especially extreme or ideologically aligned headlines—being shared without reading more often than neutral content.

Reducing leisure screen time for two weeks improved children’s mental health by decreasing emotional and peer-related difficulties while boosting positive social behaviors, highlighting the benefits of taking short breaks from screen media use.

Internet use among adults aged 50 and older is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-reported health, with benefits varying by frequency, duration, and individual or cultural factors.