Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Karolinski Institute, Pediatrics / 18.12.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Samson Nivins PhD Postdoctoral Researcher, specializing in Perinatal and Pediatric NeurologySamson Nivins PhD Postdoctoral Researcher, specializing in Perinatal and Pediatric Neurology [caption id="attachment_71834" align="alignleft" width="92"]Torkel Klingberg, M.D., Ph.D.Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Stockholm Brain Institute Dr. Klingberg[/caption] Torkel Klingberg, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Stockholm Brain Institute Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Sweden   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In the modern era, children’s use of digital media such as watching videos, playing video games, and using social media has increased substantially, often coinciding with a decline in outdoor activities. As many school-aged children now own personal devices, particularly smartphones, it has become easier for them to spend more time on screens than intended. For example, a German survey cited in an EU briefing reported that in 2020, 27% of 8-9-year-olds and 54% of 10-11-year-olds owned a smartphone. In the U.S., ~30% of children own a smartphone by age eight, with many receiving their first device between ages 10 and 11. With growing concerns about screen time, numerous studies have examined its potential consequences and have reported associations between higher screen use and increased ADHD symptoms. However, most of this research has been cross-sectional and has tended to combine different types of digital media such as television, video games, and social media into a single composite measure. This approach may obscure important differences, as various forms of digital media may have distinct effects on ADHD symptoms. To date, relatively few studies have examined the impact of specific types of digital media use on ADHD in a longitudinal framework, and even fewer have accounted for the heritable nature of ADHD. To address these gaps, this U.S. longitudinal study followed children from ages 9-10 to 13-14 years. The study collected repeated measures of daily time spent on specific digital activities, including television and videos, video games, and social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. ADHD symptoms specifically inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were assessed using parent reports, and analyses adjusted for genetic factors and socioeconomic status.
Author Interviews, Psychological Science / 22.03.2025

[caption id="attachment_67443" align="aligncenter" width="500"]second-screen-social-connectivity Photo by JESHOOTS.com[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Will Wei Wu, PhD student Leeds School of Business University of Colorado Boulder MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Imagine watching the latest episode of Succession while texting friends about the dramatic plot twists and checking social media for others’ reactions. Second screen behaviors like this have become ubiquitous, with 83% of Americans using additional devices—like smartphones or tablets—while watching television. Traditionally, second screening has been thought to diminish the viewing experience by dividing attention. However, our research challenges this view, suggesting that second screen use can actually enhance media consumption when used appropriately. Our study investigates how second screen use (using smartphones or tablets while watching media) influences viewers’ feelings of social connection and likelihood of repeat viewing.
Mental Health Research, Pediatrics, Technology / 17.03.2025

[caption id="attachment_67197" align="aligncenter" width="500"]teens-social-media-effects Image source[/caption] Adolescence is a time of some big transitions in terms of body and mental health. It is when teens develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills required for well-being in adulthood. However, it also presents challenges leading to anxiety and depression. The constant pressure on teenagers and the thought of not being able to cope with it can lead to depression. One crucial factor that increases the risk of depression is the use of social media. Experts often ask: how common is teenage depression, and how does social media impact it? Some research indicates that social media use has proven to be a catalyst in the growth of mental health problems among teens. In this article, we will look at how social media is influencing the psychology of teenagers, impacting their mental health.
Gaming, Pediatrics, Technology / 23.09.2024

Today’s youth are growing up in a world that is constantly evolving, shaped by rapid technological advances, shifting social norms, and global connectivity. The influences affecting their lives are more diverse and accessible than ever before, making it both an exciting and complex time to navigate adolescence. Understanding these influences is crucial in shaping the future, as today’s youth are the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. This article explores the key influences shaping today’s youth, from technology and social media to global movements and shifting cultural landscapes. [caption id="attachment_63446" align="aligncenter" width="333"]youth-and-technology-pexels-tim-samuel-5838223 Source[/caption]
  1. Technology and Digital Connectivity
The digital world is arguably the most significant influence on today’s youth. With smartphones, tablets, and computers, young people are more connected to information and each other than any previous generation. The internet provides access to endless streams of data, knowledge, and social platforms, enabling today’s youth to interact with the world on a global scale. It provides an easy way to purchase devices, including vaping devices from https://okvape.co.uk/. While this connectivity offers opportunities for learning and creativity, it also comes with challenges. Constant online engagement can lead to information overload, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic social standards. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow young people to express themselves and connect with peers, but they can also create unrealistic comparisons that affect self-esteem and mental health. Balancing the benefits of digital engagement with the potential downsides is one of the defining struggles for today’s youth.
Mental Health Research, Technology / 12.09.2024

social-media-mental-health.jpg When it comes to social media usage, you don’t need to complete a masters in mental health nursing to understand that the media we consume via socials can have a dramatic impact on our state of mind.  Of course, these impacts are not always negative. Inspirational, aspirational, and almost always aesthetically pleasing - engaging with social media content can help us experience a certain ‘joie de vivre’, it can fuel our drive and ambition to succeed, and in some ways, also enhance our sense of community, connectedness, and belonging.  On the flip side, however, it can also be argued that social media imposes immense societal pressure - particularly on the young and impressionable - as well as the tendency to compare ourselves to others. This can cause vulnerable content consumers to see themselves in a negative light - which can lead to emotional distress, and in some cases, even develop into serious mental health conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.