The impact of social media on teenagers has been a topic of debate for years. While some argue that it has a detrimental effect on mental health, others believe that it can be a valuable tool for self-expression and communication. In an effort to better understand the relationship between social media use and mental health, a world-first study is underway to test whether reducing the time teenagers spend on social media can improve their well-being.
The trial, known as The IRL Trial, is being conducted in Bradford, UK, and aims to recruit about 4000 12-to-15-year-olds from 10 schools. Participants will install a custom app on their phones that tracks their social media use. Half of the participants will have their time on selected social media apps restricted, including popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The other half will be able to continue using social media as normal.
The study was designed in collaboration with the teenagers themselves, who expressed a desire for restrictions rather than a total ban on social media. By randomizing participants by year group, the researchers hope to ensure that groups of children experience the same conditions as much as possible. The trial will run for six weeks, and the first results are expected to be published in mid-2027.
One of the key goals of the trial is to gather more accurate information on how much time teens spend on social media and how it impacts various aspects of their lives, including anxiety, sleep quality, social interactions, and well-being. The lack of high-quality research on the impact of social media on mental health has been a significant challenge, as highlighted by a recent report from the UK government.
Experts emphasize the importance of working with young people when researching social media, as they are the ones who are most affected by its use. While social media can be a valuable space for self-exploration, teenagers also face challenges such as cyberbullying, body image issues, and a loss of control over their online experiences. The challenge for governments and tech companies is to create safer and healthier online environments for young people.
The Online Safety Act 2023 in the UK includes provisions that require tech companies to take more responsibility for users’ safety, including measures to protect young people from harmful content and interactions online. By conducting rigorous studies like The IRL Trial, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how social media impacts teenagers and how to create a safer digital environment for young people.
Etchells believes that enforcing the compliance elements of the Online Safety Act (OSA) could help address some of the existing issues. The OSA is designed to regulate online platforms and ensure the safety of users, particularly in relation to harmful content and cyberbullying. However, the effectiveness of the OSA is often called into question due to lack of enforcement.
By properly enforcing the compliance elements of the OSA, Etchells suggests that it could go a long way in resolving some of the issues that are currently prevalent in the online space. This includes addressing issues related to mental health and social media, which are two topics that are closely intertwined with online safety.
Mental health is a significant concern in today’s digital age, with many individuals experiencing negative impacts on their mental well-being as a result of online interactions. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to harmful content can all contribute to mental health issues. By enforcing the compliance elements of the OSA, platforms can be held accountable for the content that is shared on their platforms, ultimately creating a safer online environment for users.
Social media also plays a significant role in shaping the online landscape, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram serving as key channels for communication and interaction. However, social media platforms have come under scrutiny for their role in spreading misinformation, promoting harmful content, and facilitating cyberbullying. By enforcing the compliance elements of the OSA, social media platforms can be compelled to take greater responsibility for the content that is shared on their platforms, ultimately leading to a more positive online experience for users.
Overall, Etchells believes that proper enforcement of the compliance elements of the OSA is crucial in creating a safer online environment for all users. By holding platforms accountable for the content that is shared on their platforms, we can begin to address the issues related to mental health and social media that are prevalent in today’s digital age.
