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The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Well‐Being Among Young Australians

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Leigh
  • Stephen Robson

Abstract

Using multiple sources, we document a substantial worsening in the mental well‐being of Australians aged 15–24 years, 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. Although 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, 2025. "The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Well‐Being Among Young Australians," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 58(1), pages 33-38, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecr:v:58:y:2025:i:1:p:33-38
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8462.12584
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    Cited by:

    1. David G. Blanchflower & Alex Bryson, 2025. "The Mental Health of the Young in Latin America," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 180(2), pages 759-786, November.
    2. Likun Mao & Sarah Grace See, 2025. "Early Exposure, ICT Use, and Teenage Well being Outcomes," CHILD Working Papers Series 121 JEL Classification: I, Centre for Household, Income, Labour and Demographic Economics (CHILD) - CCA.
    3. Agnoletto, Margherita & Della Giusta, Marina & Mendolia, Silvia, 2025. "Riskonnected: Social Media, Puberty and Risky Behaviours in Adolescence," IZA Discussion Papers 18013, IZA Network @ LISER.
    4. David G. Blanchflower & Alex Bryson, 2026. "The mental health of the young in Asia and the Middle East: the importance of self-reports," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 965-993, February.

    More about this item

    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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