Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between social media use and patient-reported outcomes related to attention, mood, sleep, and lifestyle behaviours among adolescents and young adults in a community-based population.
METHODS: A prospective, community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Andhra Pradesh, South India, between September and November 2025. A total of 425 participants aged ≥15 years who actively used at least one social media platform were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Data collected included daily screen time, digital activity patterns, notification-checking behaviour, time immersion, gaming habits, exposure to adult content, psychosocial effects, lifestyle disruption, physical symptoms, and perceived outcomes of reduced screen use or digital detox practices. Outcomes were assessed using self-reported measures.
RESULTS: Most participants reported moderate daily screen time (1-5 hours), with social media accounting for the largest proportion of digital activity. Habitual behaviours such as frequent notification checking and loss of time awareness were commonly reported. Mild-to-moderate psychosocial effects were prevalent, including mood fluctuations, perceived reductions in attention span, social comparison behaviours, and late-night screen use. Physical symptoms, particularly eye strain and headaches, were frequently reported. Gaming and adult content exposure were generally limited and showed minimal behavioural or emotional impact. A majority of participants reported improvements in sleep quality, focus, and reduced anxiety following reduced screen use or engagement in digital breaks.
CONCLUSIONS: Routine social media use is associated with widespread but largely subclinical patient-reported psychological, attentional, sleep-related, and lifestyle effects among adolescents and young adults. The findings suggest that usage patterns, emotional reliance, and timing of engagement are more relevant determinants of impact than total screen time alone. These results highlight modifiable behavioural targets for public health and digital well-being strategies aimed at promoting healthier social media use.