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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. Braghieri, Luca & Levy, Ro'ee & Makarin, Alexey, 2023. "Social media and mental health," CEPR Press Book Chapters, in: Campante, Filipe & Durante, Ruben & Tesei, Andrea (ed.), The Political Economy of Social Media, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 1, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Agnoletto, Margherita & Della Giusta, Marina & Mendolia, Silvia, 2025. "Riskonnected: Social Media, Puberty and Risky Behaviours in Adolescence," IZA Discussion Papers 18013, IZA Network @ LISER.
    3. 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.
    4. 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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    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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