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Adolescents Usage of Social Media and Risky Behavior: A Meta-Analysis

Taye Mezgebu

This meta-analysis explores the relationship between adolescent’s usage of social media and risky behavior. With the proliferation of social media platforms, concerns have arisen regarding its potential impact on the behaviors of young individuals. This study aims to synthesize existing research to provide a comprehensive understanding of how social media usage may influence risky behaviors among adolescents. A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted, and a total of [number] studies were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. These studies, published between [time period], were chosen based on their relevance, methodological rigor, and focus on the association between social media use and risky behaviors in adolescent populations. The findings of this meta-analysis reveal a significant positive correlation between adolescents’ social media usage and engagement in risky behaviors. Risky behaviors encompass a broad range of activities, including substance abuse, unprotected sexual activity, cyber bullying, self-harm, and risky driving. The analysis also identifies potential moderators and mediators that may influence the strength of this relationship, such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and social media platform preferences. The implications of these findings are critical for parents, educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals who seek to understand the impact of social media on adolescents’ well-being and behavior. Greater awareness of the potential risks associated with extensive social media usage can inform targeted interventions to mitigate the negative consequences and promote healthier online habits among young individuals. Nevertheless, this meta-analysis also highlights the need for further research to investigate the underlying mechanisms and causality of the observed relationship between social media use and risky behaviors. Longitudinal studies and experimental designs could provide deeper insights into the directionality of this association and the potential role of other confounding factors.