Mental health among young adults in the United States has become a major concern for healthcare experts. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that suicide rates for people aged 10 to 24 rose by 62 percent between 2007 and 2021. By 2021, suicide became the second leading cause of death in this age category.
A recent study in the American Journal of Public Health examined how digital technology affects college students. The research team, led by Assistant Professor Seungbin Oh from Boston University, analyzed health data from university students across the United States. Most participants were between 18 and 25 years old.
The findings show a clear link between digital technology use and mental health problems. Specifically, excessive screen time and experiences with online harassment both lead to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts among students.
The data for this study came from the Healthy Minds Network, which includes researchers from several major universities. This research gives experts a clearer understanding of how digital environments impact young adults in higher education.
Difficult words
- concern — a feeling of worry about a situation
- excessive — more than is necessary or normal
- harassment — unwanted behavior that hurts or bothers someone
- impact — to have a strong effect on something
- analyze — to examine something in detail to understand itanalyzed
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can students balance their daily screen time to protect their mental health?
- What steps can universities take to reduce online harassment among young adults?
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