Teens, Health and Technology: A National Survey

Ellen Wartella, Vicky Rideout, Heather Montague, Leanne Beaudoin-Ryan and Alexis Lauricella
Additional contact information
Ellen Wartella: Department of Communication, Northwestern University, USA
Vicky Rideout: VJR Consulting, USA
Heather Montague: Department of Communication, Northwestern University, USA
Leanne Beaudoin-Ryan: Department of Communication, Northwestern University, USA
Alexis Lauricella: Department of Communication, Northwestern University, USA

Media and Communication, 2016, vol. 4, issue 3, 13-23

Abstract: In the age of digital technology, as teens seem to be constantly connected online, via social media, and through mobile applications, it is no surprise that they increasingly turn to digital media to answer their health questions. This study is the first of its kind to survey a large, nationally-representative sample of teens to investigate how they use the newest digital technologies, including mobile apps, social networking sites, electronic gaming and wearable devices, to explore health topics. The survey covered the types of health topics teens most frequently search for, which technologies they are most likely to use and how they use them, and whether they report having changed their behaviors due to digital health information. In addition, this survey explores how the digital divide continues to impact adolescents. Results of this study indicate that teens are concerned about many health issues, ranging from fitness, sexual activity, drugs, hygiene as well as mental health and stress. As teens virtually always have a digital device at their fingertips, it is clear that public health interventions and informational campaigns must be tailored to reflect the ways that teens currently navigate digital health information and the health challenges that concern them most.

Keywords: adolescents; digital technology; health; information-seeking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:meanco:v4:y:2016:i:3:p:13-23

DOI: 10.17645/mac.v4i3.515

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