USC Study Links Social Media Exposure to Teen Vaping, Cannabis Use

Recent studies highlight the complex impact of social media on American and Australian youth, revealing both risks and nuances. Research from USC found that teens exposed to cannabis and e-cigarette content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are more likely to initiate or continue using these substances, with dual use of cannabis and vaping being particularly concerning. Meanwhile, young adults who frequently encounter alcohol-related content on social media exhibit higher risks of alcohol use and related harms, especially among non-college populations that often lack sufficient prevention resources. Contrastingly, an Australian survey suggests that moderate social media use—between one and three hours daily—is associated with better or comparable mental health outcomes compared to low use, whereas excessive use correlates with negative mental health indicators, including loneliness and distress, particularly among gender-diverse youth. However, American teens spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on social media, which has been linked to addictive behaviors and severe mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, underscoring concerns about overuse and its psychological effects. Collectively, these findings underscore the need for balanced social media engagement and targeted interventions to mitigate substance use and mental health risks among youth.