scholarly journals Objectively measured digital technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among young adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 ◽  
pp. 145-147
Author(s):  
Craig J.R. Sewall ◽  
Tina R. Goldstein ◽  
Daniel Rosen
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Objectively Measured

Objectively measured digital technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among young adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Sewall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Objectively Measured

IntroductionResearch indicates that stressors introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted mental health, particularly among young people.1 Time spent on digital technology (e.g., social media, smartphones) has also increased2 as schools, workplaces, and social gathering sites have closed, thus intensifying pre-pandemic concerns regarding the putative effects of digital technology use (DTU) on mental health. Indeed, recent academic and newspaper articles have both directly and indirectly asserted that increased DTU is a source of the heightened psychological distress observed during the pandemic.3–5 However, these claims are dubious for two primary reasons. First, these articles rely on self-report measures of DTU, which are inaccurate6 and prone to systematic bias.7 Second, since the pandemic has impacted both mental health and DTU for many, the observed association between the two may be attributable to a shared common cause, rather than causality. Thus, we investigated the longitudinal associations between objectively measured DTU and mental health while accounting for important COVID-19-related effects.MethodsThis study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh and followed Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guidelines. In this four-wave panel study, participants were recruited from Prolific (https://www.prolific.co/), an online participant-recruitment platform. Waves of data collection were launched on August 14, September 12, October 14, and November 9 of 2020. Eligible participants were U.S. residents, 18-35 years old, iPhone users, and had ≥ 10 previous submissions on Prolific with approval rating ≥95%. At each wave, participants uploaded screenshots of their “Screen Time” application (which passively tracks device usage) and completed self-reports of mental health (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation [SI]), COVID-19-related stressors, and perceived COVID-19-related impact on well-being and DTU (Table 1). We extracted three elements from the “Screen Time” screenshots: (1) total screen time, (2) total time spent on social media, and (3) total number of pickups. We estimated separate random-intercept multilevel models for each mental health outcome using Mplus. Predictors were entered hierarchically in blocks (see eTable 3 in Supplement) to assess ΔR2 at the within- and between-person levels. See Supplement for methodological details. ResultsA total of 384 young adults participated in this study (Mage = 24.5, SDage = 5.1; 57% female; 54% white; 48% Bachelor’s degree education or above). Overall, participants averaged 47.5 hours of Screen Time, 677 pickups, and 15.5 hours of social media over the past week. On average, participants reported experiencing between 4 and 5 pandemic-related stressors per wave. Mean depression and anxiety t-scores were 54.6 and 56.7, respectively, and nearly 29% of participants reported past-week SI at least once. See eTable 1 for summary statistics of sample demographics and primary variables.Results of the multilevel analyses revealed that objectively-measured total screen time and social media use were unrelated to within- or between-person differences in mental health, while between-person difference in pickups was negatively associated with depression (see Figure 1). Together, the objective DTU variables explained, at most, 2.8% of the within- or between-person variance in any of the mental health outcomes (eTable 3 in Supplement). COVID-related impacts on well-being had the largest effects across models—accounting for about 45% and 10%, respectively, of the between- and within-person variance in depression and anxiety, and 21%/28% of the between/within variance in SI. DiscussionAmong a sample of young adults, a population with particularly high rates of DTU8 and COVID-19-related distress,1 we found that objectively-measured DTU did not contribute to increases in depression, anxiety, or SI—refuting the popular notion that increases in DTU may be contributing to young peoples’ psychological distress during the pandemic. Rather, depression, anxiety, and SI were driven mostly by young peoples’ reports of the pandemic’s impact on their well-being. The convenience-based sample, retrospective (past week) assessments of mental health outcomes, and single-item measures of COVID-19-related impacts are limitations of the study. Nevertheless, results indicate that current speculations about the direct harms of DTU on mental health may be unfounded and risk diverting attention from a more likely cause: pandemic-related stressors.

Objectively-measured digital technology use does not predict within- or between-person increases in psychological distress among young adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Jeffrey Robb Sewall ◽  
Aidan G.C. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Lagged Effects ◽  
Objectively Measured

Despite a plethora of research, the link between digital technology use (i.e., smartphones and social media) and psychological distress among young adults remains inconclusive. The relia-bility and validity of findings in this area are typically undermined by common methodological limitations related to measurement, study design, and statistical analysis. Addressing these limitations, we examined the prospective, within-person associations between three aspects of objectively-measured digital technology use (smartphone use duration, smartphone use frequency, and social media use duration) and three aspects of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and social isolation) among a sample of young adults (N = 384). We found that the digital technology use -> psychological distress within-person lagged effects, as well as vice versa, were very small (Bs ≤ .10) and non-significant. This study is the first to examine the pro-spective association between objectively-measured digital technology use and psychological distress—providing much-needed clarification into this highly relevant area of research.

Digital technology use and muscle‐building behaviors in young adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Nagata ◽  
Vivienne M. Hazzard ◽  
Kyle T. Ganson ◽  
Samantha L. Hahn ◽  
Dianne Neumark‐Sztainer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use

The Effect of Suicide-Related Internet Use on Users’ Mental Health

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Sueki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Suicide Methods ◽  
Internet Users

Background: Previous studies have shown that suicide-related Internet use can have both negative and positive psychological effects. Aims: This study examined the effect of suicide-related Internet use on users’ suicidal ideation, depression/anxiety tendency, and loneliness. Method: A two-wave panel study of 850 Internet users was conducted via the Internet. Results: Suicide-related Internet use (e.g., browsing websites about suicide methods) had negative effects on suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety tendency. No forms of suicide-related Internet use, even those that would generally be considered positive, were found to decrease users’ suicidal ideation. In addition, our results suggest that the greater the suicidal ideation and feelings of depression and loneliness of Internet users, the more they used the Internet. Conclusion: Since suicide-related Internet use can adversely influence the mental health of young adults, it is necessary to take measures to reduce their exposure to such information.

scholarly journals The use of Facebook in a community pharmacist-led weight management programme – a London-based proof of concept study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i17-i18
Author(s):  
P Crilly ◽  
E Chibueze ◽  
M Khan ◽  
J Modha ◽  
S Satwaha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Management Programme ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Percentage Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management Programme ◽  
Percentage Weight ◽  
Adults And Children

Abstract Introduction In the United Kingdom (UK), 63% of adults are overweight,(1) costing the NHS £6.1 billion/year. With the public using digital technology over healthcare professionals (HCPs) for health advice, this warrants an investigation of technology use in community pharmacy, given its previous successful use.(2) Aim To determine the feasibility and perceptions of a community pharmacist (CP)-led weight management programme (WMP), enhanced by a Facebook support group (FSG). Methods A proof of concept study was conducted between January-March 2020. Recruitment was via a pharmacy, the university and a community Facebook group. Inclusion criteria: over 18 years; overweight; no medical conditions. Participants attended face-to-face meetings (ftf) with a CP and final year pharmacy student (PS) on two occasions (0 (baseline) and 4 weeks). At baseline, participants were given the NHS weight loss programme and set weight loss goals. During ftf, participants had height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) measurements by a CP/PS and discussed eating habits, exercise and alcohol. In between ftf, participants accessed the FSG (created (December 2019) and moderated by a CP). Here, they received posts about diet, exercise and motivation. Participants were to have their measurements taken ftf at 8-weeks, however, COVID-19 meant participants had to self-declare these via video call. Following the 8-week programme, participants completed a 4-section survey about their experience (signing up to the service; comparison to previous weight loss attempts; the FSG and overall perceptions). Question types included multiple choice, Likert scale and free text comments. Data were analysed in Excel (Microsoft Corporation 2016) with changes in height, weight, waist circumference, alcohol and exercise being calculated. Results Fifty-five participants were recruited. 18 were lost to follow-up, most (n=12/18) citing COVID-19. Of the 37 participants remaining (70.3% female, mean age=37 years), 22 were obese, the rest overweight. Mean weight loss, mean percentage weight loss and mean WC reduction at 4-weeks was 1.6 kg (SD+/- 1.7 kg), 1.8% (SD+/- 1.9%) and 2 cm (SD+/- 1.96 cm) respectively. At week 8 measurements were self-declared. Mean weight loss at 8-weeks from baseline was 2.7 kg (SD +/- 2.6 kg) and mean percentage weight loss was 3% (SD+/- 3%). Only five participants’ self-declared WC measurements at 8-weeks with mean reduction being 3.6 cm. Five participants moved to healthier BMI classifications by week 8. All participants accessed the FSG at least weekly with 13 accessing it daily. Diet posts were the most popular (n=20/37). Participants learned about portion control and increasing fruits/vegetables intake. All participants would recommend the programme to their friends/family. Conclusion An 8-week CPWMP, enhanced with FSG, supported participants to lose a mean of 3% body weight. Participants accessed the page regularly and were positive about its usefulness. One limitation was that the COVID-19 lockdown prevented the 8-week ftf, therefore, self-declared measurements were used. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of pharmacy embracing technology for service delivery, particularly when in-person contact is limited. The implication of this study is that it provides proof that the concept of digital service delivery could work in practice. References 1. GOV.UK. Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives [Internet]. Department of Health and Social Care. 2020 [cited 2020 Aug 18]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-obesity-government-strategy/tackling-obesity-empowering-adults-and-children-to-live-healthier-lives 2. Crilly P, Kayyali R. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Telehealth and Digital Technology Use by Community Pharmacists to Improve Public Health. Pharmacy 2020;8(3):137. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2226–4787/8/3/137

scholarly journals Digital technology use during COVID ‐19 pandemic: A rapid review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deedra Vargo ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
Briana Benwell ◽  
Zheng Yan
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Rapid Review

A Longitudinal Study of Objectively Measured Built Environment as Determinant of Physical Activity in Young Adults: The European Youth Heart Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 909-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasper Schipperijn ◽  
Mathias Ried-Larsen ◽  
Merete S. Nielsen ◽  
Anneli F. Holdt ◽  
Anders Grøntved ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Environmental Indices ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
European Youth

Background:This longitudinal study aimed to examine if a Movability Index (MI), based on objectively measured built environment characteristics, was a determinant for objectively measured physical activity (PA) among young adults.Methods:Data collected from 177 persons participating in the Danish part of the European Youth Hearth Study (EYHS) was used to examine the effect of the built environment on PA. A MI was developed using objectively measured built environment characteristics, and included residential density, recreational facilities, daily destinations and street connectivity.Results:Results showed a positive cross-sectional association between MI and PA. PA decreased from baseline to follow-up. MI increased, primarily due to participants relocating to larger cities. An increase in MI from baseline to follow-up was associated with a reduced decrease in PA for females.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that the built environment is a determinant for PA, especially for females. The found gender differences might suggest the need to develop gender specific environmental indices in future studies. The validity of the measures can be further improved by creating domain specific PA measures as well as domain specific environmental indices and this can potentially reveal more specific built environment determinants for PA.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Metabolic Disease: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Diabetes Care ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 1835-1843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Barone Gibbs ◽  
Kelley Pettee Gabriel ◽  
Jared P. Reis ◽  
John M. Jakicic ◽  
Mercedes R. Carnethon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Disease ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Objectively Measured
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