A new study from The University of Manchester has highlighted a link between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and well-being in young people, with those with the healthiest lifestyles experiencing the highest well-being. The research, led by Dr. Chris Knowles and a team of experts from the Manchester Institute of Education, as part of the #BeeWell program, analyzed the habits of nearly 18,500 Year 8 students from Greater Manchester.
Findings showed that teenagers who use social media more frequently tended to have less healthy lifestyles . The study aimed to understand the connection between different health habits (being physically active, getting enough sleep, and having a healthy diet ) and young people 's mental well-being. It identified three groups based on these habits: the "Green and Dream Team" (the most active group, most likely to get enough sleep, and with the highest intake of fruit and vegetables), the "Balanced Bunch" (a group with more moderate scores on all these factors), and the "Wellness Weary" (those with the least healthy habits).
About 45% of teenagers fell into the healthiest group, 40% were in the moderately healthy group, and 15% were in the least healthy category. The study found that those who were part of the "Green and Dream Team" reported better mental well-being a year later than the other groups. Social media use was one of several key factors that affected which group a young person fell into.
Compared to the "Green and Dream Team," tee.