Researchers are sounding the alarms about a global mental-health crisis among teens. Recent studies indicate a global surge in teen mental-health issues, including feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts (CDC, 2022). Increased social media use, particularly near-constant engagement with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, is strongly correlated with this rise (Pew Research Center, 2022; Twenge, et al., 2021). Compounding the situation, researchers have noted a marked decline in religious and spiritual engagement in adolescents (Jacobi, Cowden, & Vaidyanathan, 2022). Is there a possible connection, then, between these converging social, societal, and spiritual trends and the worsening teen mental-health crisis?
A 2023 international study by the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE) explored the potential correlation between teenagers' mental health, social media usage, and spiritual engagement. This study was unique because no prior research had comprehensively examined these factors together. We found a significant link between high social media use and increased rates of destructive thoughts, particularly among teens in the US and UK. In addition, those experiencing spiritual uncertainty exhibited higher vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. Conversely, stronger spiritual engagement, especially Bible engagement, appeared to be a protective factor that decreased rates of dark thoughts.
For this study, we surveyed a random sample of 4,204 teenagers aged 14 to 17. The survey was conducted with parental consent across nine countries using incentivized, online questionnaires to encourage a high completion rate (91%). The samples were drawn from Dynata© survey panels over a six-week period.
We found concerning patterns among teens, especially in the UK and US. Specifically, rates of loneliness, a lack of self-forgiveness, and destructive thoughts among teens are particularly high in the UK and US, affecting approximately 16% of biological males and more than 20% of biological females. Among youth identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming, rates are significantly higher at 44%. In addition, we discovered a correlation between total hours on social media and destructive thoughts as a self-reported top struggle. Higher rates of dark thoughts were reported by teens in the US and UK compared to the other countries examined. Japanese teenagers had the lowest rates of negative thoughts, possibly due to societal and cultural differences.
Key factors associated with increases in destructive thoughts include location, a lack of spiritual uncertainty, and negative social media experiences. For instance, higher risks of dark thoughts are associated with teens who:
Live in the UK +214%
Live in the US +210%
Are uncertain if there is a God or afterlife +51%
Identify as a non-conforming gender +46%
Believe there is no God or afterlife +32%
Believe in God, but do not have a saving relationship with Jesus +32%
Are susceptible to the negative effect of social media +16%
Protective factors linked to lower odds of destructive thoughts include living in Japan (-85%) and frequent Bible engagement (-20%).
Taken together (without protective factors), these findings suggest that spiritual uncertainty, combined with negative social media and societal influences, might leave teens more vulnerable to mental-health struggles.
That said, there are several limitations to our study. For instance, our samples represent only 9 countries and only teens between the ages of 14 and 17 who were willing and able to complete an online survey. It’s possible that our participants are outliers in their social media use given that they were participating in an online survey. Another limitation is that spiritual and religious beliefs and practices are diverse. While we attempted to gain a broad understanding of the respondents’ beliefs, there are aspects of their spiritual lives that we didn’t examine.
Although we don’t have causational data, restricting exposure to social media (that produces negative feelings) and increasing Bible engagement might reduce the risk of destructive thoughts in teens. We know from our earlier research that engaging with the Bible most days of the week is related to reductions in risky behaviors and increases in positive behaviors (CBE, 2012).
To promote overall well-being, parents, church leaders, and communities can also implement preventative measures to support at-risk youth through targeted interventions that foster healthy social media habits and stronger spiritual connections (Hall, Reclaim Today & CBE, 2024).
In conclusion, this research explores how the convergence of societal, spiritual, and social media factors impacts teen mental health. As one of the first studies to consider their interconnectedness, we provide initial evidence of factors that increase or lower the risk of destructive thoughts. Our pioneering investigation highlights the complexity of the teen mental-health crisis, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach in future research. For now, our findings offer valuable new understandings of the challenges faced by teenagers today.
See related CBE research:
[Coming in 2025] The Wellbeing Report: Analyzing Discipleship Opportunities for Gen Z and Millennials
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