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Studying Screenagers

Assessing psychological risks associated with excessive screen time

June 16, 2025 - Izzi Breaux

As a psychology major, you often learn about mental distress states and the symptoms that come with them. For a long time, I had been deeply interested in researching and better understanding “triggers” or behaviors that negatively influence the levels of these states. I wanted to conduct research that would raise awareness in my community, possibly opening even bigger doors. My attention turned to social media.

Social media use has become increasingly prevalent in society – especially among college students. It’s unavoidable in this age, and instead of dismissing it entirely, I hoped to better understand what exactly was so dangerous about it. I aimed to provide more reasonable and informed recommendations for the public, potentially prompting further research. So, when it came time to choose a subject for my thesis for the Carl Goodson Honors Program, I had no difficulty making a decision.

The aim of this experiment was to compare social media addiction levels to the severity of mental distress states. I used a screen time data measure as well as an adjusted Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Social Media Disorder-Scale to produce this data. To analyze the relationship between social media addiction levels and screen time data, study participants reported general and social screen time data, which could be found in their device settings. In the 2024 study, we collected data from four of the most popular social media platforms. Although results were consistent with past literature, this thesis targeted less restrictive screen time measures to prevent exclusion of data. Understanding the relationship between mental distress states, screen time data and social media addiction levels will allow researchers to suggest more accurate, time-oriented restrictions for safer social media use.

Completing this project presented its set of challenges, but I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. I learned how to juggle my responsibilities more effectively. As a student-athlete studying for the LSAT and applying to law schools, my plate was already very full, and this project added another layer of busyness. Within my tasks, however, I was able to grow in several different disciplines, including mathematics, communications/media and, of course, psychology.

At the beginning of this project, I dedicated several hours a week to conducting literature reviews. An informed researcher and author is more effective at communicating their point, and I would not have been able to construct coherent and reliable measures had I not examined past research first. I also found it rewarding to discuss my topic with anyone curious about it. These conversations allowed me to identify gaps in my arguments, enabling me to write my thesis more effectively.

When it came time for data collection, I realized how much I had to take on as a solo researcher. I created 48 variables and had nearly 200 participants, meaning I had almost 9,600 data points to enter into SPSS data analysis software. Although monotonous, the time spent was well worth it, as my findings further supported my primary hypothesis. Social media use correlates with mental distress states. That prompts new questions, at what point is social media use most detrimental? What time frame is deemed unproblematic and what aspects of social media use provoke problematic use? I hope that, with these findings, further research will be pursued to protect my generation: the future leaders of our country.

Izzi Breaux