Rebecca's story
Rebecca is helping researchers understand the effects of digital technology on our mental health, both positive and negative.
Rebecca, 24, is a YoungMinds Youth Advisor on Professor Rina Dutta’s Foundation-funded project.
Like many of us, she spends a lot of time on her phone – around seven hours a day, including two to three hours on social media.
The community you can find online
Rebecca is keen to point out the many benefits of using digital technology – from staying connected with family and friends, to providing daily motivation and sparking creativity. “Seeing someone else’s progress can be incredibly inspiring, making me think, ‘If they can do it, I can do it too.’”
“It’s also a reminder that I’m not alone in my struggles. When I see people responding to posts saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t know you were going through this, I’m going through it too,’ it feels comforting.”
I often feel overwhelmed, especially when I’ve been scrolling for a long time. Suddenly realising I’ve been on my phone for hours can leave me feeling drained and anxious.
The negative side
On the flip side, social media often plays on Rebecca’s insecurities.
“Content around body image and big life achievements are major triggers for me, even if I know much of it is filtered or curated. When people my age share posts about buying a property, or achieving a significant milestone like that, it makes me question if I’m doing enough – even if I know I am. It’s hard not to compare myself and feel like I’m falling behind.”
“I often feel overwhelmed, especially when I’ve been scrolling for a long time. Suddenly realising I’ve been on my phone for hours can leave me feeling drained and anxious.”
Empowering young people
Rebecca thinks young people should be taught about the threats posed by digital technology from an early age, as well as how to use it in a healthy and positive way.
“When I was younger, we had public health practitioners teaching us about how to brush our teeth, from the age of six. Since phones and social media aren’t going away, I think it’s important we promote digital literacy, so that people can spot when there’s a problem.”
Exploring the mental health impacts of phone and social media use
Professor Rina Dutta's '3S-YP' study, in partnership with YoungMinds, has revealed high levels of problematic mobile phone use, disturbed sleep, and self-harm among young people with mental health conditions.
Find out moreStudies like this raise awareness of how social media can impact young people’s mental health, both positively and negatively.
The importance of research
Reflecting on her involvement with Professor Dutta’s research, Rebecca says: “Studies like this are important because they raise awareness of how social media can impact young people’s mental health, both positively and negatively.”
“Research can influence how professionals, schools and even the social media platforms themselves approach digital wellbeing. The more evidence we have, the better we can design support systems, set healthy boundaries, and educate others in ways that are based on real experiences.”
Rebecca's story and Rina's research on smartphone use and mental health are featured in our latest impact report.
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