JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Everyday digital technologies such as social media, gaming, and internet use are deeply integrated into the lives of children, adolescents, and young adults. While these platforms can foster connection, learning, and entertainment, concerns have grown about their potential to influence mental, physical, and social well-being. Research on this topic has expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet much of it remains cross-sectional, limiting insights into long-term outcomes. Longitudinal studies are essential to capture evolving patterns of digital engagement, identify causal relationships, and guide effective policies and interventions that support youth in navigating digital environments. In particular, evidence is needed to distinguish between beneficial and harmful forms of digital engagement, such as social connection versus problematic use, and to understand how these impacts differ across diverse populations and contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated young people’s technology use, underscoring the urgency of examining both risks and opportunities. This review therefore synthesizes longitudinal research to map trends, identify knowledge gaps, and inform future directions.

Objective:

To identify longitudinal studies examining the impacts of everyday digital technologies, such as social media, gaming, and Internet use, on the health and well-being of youth (≤25 years). This review categorizes key trends, geographical representation, and research gaps across six thematic areas.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycArticles (2014–2024). Data extraction covered demographics, digital technology categories, and health outcomes. Studies were grouped into six key themes: social media use and mental health; digital addiction and behavioral outcomes; physical activity and digital technology; digital health interventions and cognitive development; parental influence and digital technology; digital well-being and risk behaviors.

Results:

Of the 456 studies identified, 267 were longitudinal studies relevant to our research aims. Internet use (201 studies), social media (140 studies), and gaming (83 studies) dominated the themes. Mental health was the most frequently assessed outcome, with a focus on anxiety and depression. Geographically, 15% of studies originated from low- and middle-income countries, with the majority from high-income settings such as the U.S. (76 studies) and Australia (15 studies). Nearly half (49%) were published post-2020, reflecting heightened interest during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

Existing longitudinal research highlights diverse impacts of everyday digital technology use on youth well-being, with a notable focus on mental health outcomes. However, gaps exist in exploring long-term physical health and educational impacts of digital technologies, as well as equity-focused research. Findings of this study emphasize the need for further longitudinal research, particularly in low-income countries. Policies and interventions are also required to address risks and benefits of digital technologies among underrepresented youth populations.