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

Andrew Leigh and Stephen Robson

No 11563, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

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.

Keywords: mental health; technology; smartphones; social media (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 I12 L82 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Related works:
Journal Article: The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Well‐Being Among Young Australians (2025)
Working Paper: The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Wellbeing among Young Australians (2024)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11563

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