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The effect of social media use on adolescents’ subjective well-being: Longitudinal evidence from Switzerland

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  • Mader, Sebastian
  • Costantini, Damiano
  • Fahr, Annette
  • Jordan, Marina Delgrande

Abstract

Problematic social media use and low subjective well-being in adolescents coincide. However, the causal evidence on the effect of (problematic) social media use on subjective well-being is inconclusive. The analysis by Orben et al. (2022: Nature Communications 13: 1649) demonstrates that the effect is moderated by age and gender, giving rise to ‘developmental windows of sensitivity to social media’. In this study, we provide an update of the development of adolescents' subjective well-being and problematic social media use in Switzerland. Furthermore, we investigate, whether ‘developmental windows of sensitivity to social media’ apply to Switzerland.

Suggested Citation

  • Mader, Sebastian & Costantini, Damiano & Fahr, Annette & Jordan, Marina Delgrande, 2025. "The effect of social media use on adolescents’ subjective well-being: Longitudinal evidence from Switzerland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 365(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:365:y:2025:i:c:s0277953624010499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117595
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    References listed on IDEAS

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