Role of social media use in onset of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children 2022 Cinquetti et al

[Andy]

Abstract

The use of social media has increased considerably in recent years. However, these tools are not always used consciously, and the stress that can result from their inappropriate use is often underestimated. Children, who tend to be heavy users of social media, are exposed to risks associated with their intensive use. Data on the consequences of social media on children’s health are extensive; however, few studies have examined the association between their use and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Our research showed that social media use is associated with adverse health outcomes such as stress, poor sleep quality, and gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. FGIDs should be considered a group of biopsychosocial disorders involving gut dysfunction and psychological health. Stress may exacerbate the symptoms of these disorders and is associated with psychological comorbidities. Recent findings demonstrated a high prevalence of social media use and the incidence of psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and decreased well-being in children with FGIDs.

This review underlines that social media use is an emerging aspect of the psychosocial lives of children and adolescents; thus, it may be involved in FGID onset. Further studies in this field are needed to elucidate the link between social media and gastrointestinal health. Clinicians and politicians can play an important role in promoting the regulated and responsible use of digital platforms to protect the psychological health and preserve the well-being of children and adolescents.

Open access, https://www.e-cep.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.3345/cep.2022.00843

 

[John Mac]

Our research showed that social media use is associated with adverse health outcomes

Or the more sick you are the more you use social media looking for help.

psychosocial lives of children and adolescents

What psychosocial lives?

Clinicians and politicians can play an important role in promoting the regulated and responsible use of digital platforms to protect the psychological health and preserve the well-being of children and adolescents.

Clinicians and politicians can play an important role in promoting the regulated and responsible use of digital platforms to protect the psychological health and preserve the well-being of psychologists.

 

[rvallee]

This is really as textbook passing speculative opinion as validated fact as it gets. As best as I can tell, this is the evidence behind the claim, even as they mention that social media usage is somewhere on the order of 90-100% in this population, and so is therefore always a factor anyway:

The average time spent on screens in the study group (341 min/day) was similar to that of the control group (331 min/day). The severity of abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms in adolescents with FGID was independent of the number of social media platforms used. However, in the subgroup analysis, the authors reported excessive use of screen time in the entertainment, reading, and productivity categories in the FGID group versus controls (p < 0.05). Growing evidence indicates a correlation between excessive social media use, onset of psychological symptoms (p < 0.05), and occurrence of psychological symptoms,39,45) and many individuals with FGID often suffer from psychological problems. Therefore, anxiety and depression should be recognized as important risk factors for FGID.33)

Their evidence seems to consist of pointing out that other people are speculating the same thing. All the usual "may"s and "could"s.

Really, the entire paper is basically just arguing this is possible and therefore should be assumed to be true:

Given the role of eating habits in FGID development, social media use could be a risk factor for these disorders. Therefore, the latest evidence on the effects of social media on toddlers is worth greater attention by pediatricians and researchers.

Could be true. Might as well assume it, lots of other people think the same.

This is legitimately in the same category as "everyone who drinks water eventually suffers poor health":

Our research showed that social media use is associated with adverse health outcomes such as stress, poor sleep quality, and gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents.

The art of making stuff up. Except it has real life power and influence.