Social Media Use and Sleep Quality in Adolescents and Young Adults
A Scoping Review of Reviews
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15718451 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Awele Ndubisi (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, corresponding author), Felix Agyapong-Opoku (0009-0002-1522-0535, University of Alberta), Belinda Agyapong (0000-0001-7633-6529, University of Alberta) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 51-51 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-30 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Children (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/children13010051 |
| PMID | 41597059 |
| OpenAlex | W7117761978 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
Background: Social media use has grown rapidly and has been integrated into the lives of many adolescents and young adults worldwide. Research indicates that excessive social media engagement can negatively impact sleep quality through various mechanisms. Objective: This scoping review of reviews aims to explore the relationship between social media use and sleep quality among adolescents and young adults, synthesize existing evidence, identify research gaps, and highlight directions for future research. Methods: Arksey's and O'Malley's five-stage framework was used to conduct this scoping review. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and Scopus for articles published between 2020 and 2025. The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews or meta-analyses focused on adolescents and young adults, examining social media use in relation to sleep quality, and peer-reviewed articles written in English. Ten articles met all eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results: The findings indicate a small but consistent negative effect of social media use on sleep quality. Problematic social media use showed a stronger association with poorer sleep than general social media use. Specific platforms such as Facebook and Twitter contributed most to shorter sleep duration, later bedtimes, and poorer sleep quality, while Snapchat and Instagram showed moderate effects, and WhatsApp and WeChat showed smaller effects. Conclusions: Problematic social media use is strongly associated with poorer sleep quality, while general use may have smaller effects. Future research focusing on longitudinal studies would help deepen the understanding of the effects of social media on sleep and guide targeted interventions. Encouraging responsible or healthy social media use is vital in reducing the risks of problematic use while highlighting the benefits as well
Association (psychology · Inclusion (mineral · Quality (philosophy · Scopus · Sleep (system call · Sleep quality · Social media · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Mental Health via Writing
Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine
Problematic Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults
Interplay between social media use, sleep quality, and mental health in youth
The age of adolescence
Impact of National Lockdown Measures on the Association Between Social Media Use and Sleep Disturbance During Covid-19
Social media
“Using digital media or sleeping … that is the question”. A meta-analysis on digital media use and unhealthy sleep in adolescence
Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out
Adolescents' Intense and Problematic Social Media Use and Their Well-Being in 29 Countries
Through the Looking Glass of Social Media. Focus on Self-Presentation and Association with Mental Health and Quality of Life. A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study
Problematic Social Media Use may be Ruining Our Sleep
Social media platforms and sleep problems
Scoping studies
| Highly cited | No |
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