The impact of social networking sites use on health-related outcomes among UK adolescents

This study explores the impact of social networking site (SNS) use on health outcomes in adolescents. By using data from the 2015-16 sweep of the Millennium Cohort Study, SNS use and its effects on sleep duration, healthy eating (fruits/vegetables intake, eating breakfast), and self-rated health was evaluated in 11,884 adolescents (13-17 year-old). SNS use was found to be negatively associated with general health through decreased sleep duration and reduced healthy eating. Females have a higher risk of being negatively affected by the extent of their SNS use, compared to males. IS developers and SNS providers should allow easier tracking and monitoring of the use of their systems, as well as offer time management features, as unchecked use can lead to adverse health outcomes. Policymakers should consider public health interventions to address balancing SNS use with healthy behaviors, and shifting school start times to allow adolescents to have later wake times