CMN Brownbag: "Gender Inequality in the Association Between Problematic Social Media Use and Well-being: An Analysis of Data from Adolescents in 40 Countries"

• Time: 12-1PM, January 11, 2024
• Location: Kerr Hall 386, UC Davis
• Zoom: 974 4807 7707

Gender Inequality in the Association Between Problematic Social
Media Use and Well-being: An Analysis of Data from Adolescents in 40
Countries

Jane Shawcroft, Matthew Shawcroft, Drew Cingel

Abstract: This study aims to explore gender inequality in the association between adolescent problematic social media use (PSMU) and well-being. We investigate how gender inequality in terms of the association between PSMU and well-being relate to societal inequalities in education, economics, leadership, and healthcare. To do so, our analyses draw on data from 230,375 adolescents across 40 countries in Europe and Central Eurasia, as well as data from the United Nations and World Bank. Results suggest current gender inequalities in education, economics, leadership, and healthcare may all be linked to gender disparities in the association between PSMU and well-being, in particular economic and healthcare disparities. In addition, historical gender inequalities in education also contribute to gender inequalities in the association between PSMU and well-being. 

Our findings underscore the need for policymakers to prioritize initiatives that empower adolescent girls and invest in women's education long term. Furthermore, recognizing the disproportionate impact of social media on the well-being of adolescent girls as a manifestation of societal gender inequality is crucial for more effective policy interventions.

Bio: Jane Shawcroft is a PhD student at UC Davis in the department of Communication. Her research focuses on understanding how media and technology play a role in the social, physical, mental, and emotional health of children and adolescents. In particular, she is interested in finding ways that society, educators, parents, and other invested individuals can leverage media and technology to support positive outcomes for children, adolescents, and families.

The series: The Department of Communication Brown Bag Series is a regular meeting for developments in Communication and related disciplines, hosted by the UC Davis Department of Communication. It is held at noon on most Thursdays during the academic year.