Longitudinal analysis of depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth at a social media-free camp

Abstract

Introduction

Frequent social media use (SMU) is associated with elevated depressive symptoms (DS) for youth, but the relationship over time is unclear.

Method

LGBTQ youth ages 12–18 (N = 214) were surveyed before and after attending a social media-free summer camp.

Results

Pre-camp, SMU was not associated with DS. However, the relationship between pre- and post-camp DS was moderated by pre-camp SMU (b = −.03, p = .02). For youth with lower SMU, pre-camp DS more strongly predicted post-camp DS.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the influence of a “social media break” in an affirming environment on LGBTQ youth mental health.

KEYWORDS:

• Social media
• adolescence
• depressive symptoms
• longitudinal research
• LGBTQ

Acknowledgments

This research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern California. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection through a process approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern California.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [name and email redacted], upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.