Fact Check: "Progressive girls experienced the first major mental health decline post-smartphone adoption."
What We Know
The claim that "progressive girls experienced the first major mental health decline post-smartphone adoption" is supported by a variety of studies indicating a correlation between smartphone use and declining mental health, particularly among girls. According to a review by Abi-Jaoude et al. (2020), there is substantial evidence linking smartphone and social media use to increased mental distress, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality among youth, with the effects being most pronounced in girls (source-1).
In Ontario, the proportion of teenagers reporting moderate to serious mental distress rose from 24% in 2013 to 39% in 2017, coinciding with increased smartphone usage (source-1). Furthermore, a longitudinal study from South Korea found that longer smartphone use was associated with increased depressive symptoms and higher suicidal ideation specifically for girls, but not for boys (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence presented in the studies is compelling. The longitudinal data from South Korea indicates a causal relationship between smartphone use and mental health issues in girls, suggesting that the nature of smartphone interactions may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities (source-2). Additionally, the review by Abi-Jaoude et al. highlights a dose-response relationship, where increased smartphone and social media use correlates with worsening mental health outcomes, particularly in girls (source-1).
However, it is important to note that while the studies provide strong correlations, establishing direct causality is challenging due to the observational nature of much of the data. Critics argue that other factors, such as societal changes and increased pressure on youth, may also contribute to the observed mental health decline (source-5). Nonetheless, the consistent findings across multiple studies lend credibility to the assertion that smartphone adoption has played a significant role in the mental health decline among girls.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "progressive girls experienced the first major mental health decline post-smartphone adoption" is substantiated by a range of studies indicating a significant correlation between smartphone use and deteriorating mental health, particularly among girls. The evidence suggests that the unique pressures and interactions facilitated by smartphones and social media may disproportionately affect girls, leading to increased rates of mental distress and suicidal ideation.
