Impact of excessive social media use on adolescent depression and its consequences in France: An individual-based microsimulation model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social media (SM) platforms have become increasingly prevalent in adolescents' lives, and concerns have arisen regarding their potential contribution to depression. This study examined whether excessive SM use contributes to rising adolescent depression rates and evaluated potential mitigation strategies.

Methods and findings

We developed an individual-based microsimulation model of 18.6 million French adolescents born 1990-2012, tracking depression outcomes from 2000-2022 (analyses conducted August 2024-July 2025). The model incorporated 95 parameters, including demographics, SM use patterns, and established depression risk factors (childhood adversities, chronic physical conditions, physical inactivity, obesity, substance use). The main outcome was cumulative de

SUBMITTER: Hoertel N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539716 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature