Research on the Risks and Benefits of Social Media Use and Mental Health with Associate Professor and Pediatrician, Dr. Jason Nagata

In this episode of Healthy Mind Science, we interview Dr. Jason Nagata, Pediatrician and Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco. We delve into the complex relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health, drawing insights from recent studies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents, educators, and teens alike, as we navigate the digital landscape and evolving technologies together. We'll explore both the risks and benefits of social media, equipping you with knowledge to make informed decisions. Practical takeaways are shared for parents and educators who work with teens to understand risks, benefits, support open communication, and promote critical thinking. Studies discussed: Nagata JM, Otmar CD, Shim J, et al. Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e2511704. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11704 Nagata, J. M., Huang, O., Hur, J. O., Li, E. J., Helmer, C. K., Weinstein, E., & Moreno, M. A. (2024). Health Benefits of Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults. Current pediatrics reports, 13(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-025-00357-7 Follow Dr. Jason Nagata on LinkedIn Check out the Family Media Plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics UCSF Pediatrics Connect with host, Dr. Alicia Sepulveda on LinkedIn Follow the Center for Healthy Mind and Mood on LinkedIn http://healthymindandmood.com/