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

Author

Listed:
  • Leigh, Andrew

    (Parliament of Australia)

  • Robson, Stephen

    (Australian National University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Leigh, Andrew & Robson, Stephen, 2024. "The Rise of Social Media and the Fall in Mental Wellbeing among Young Australians," IZA Discussion Papers 17525, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17525
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luca Braghieri & Ro'ee Levy & Alexey Makarin, 2022. "Social Media and Mental Health," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(11), pages 3660-3693, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Agnoletto, Margherita & Della Giusta, Marina & Mendolia, Silvia, 2025. "Riskonnected: Social Media, Puberty and Risky Behaviours in Adolescence," IZA Discussion Papers 18013, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    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.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    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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