Social media can adversely impact young peoples’ risk-taking behaviours
Commentary on: Purba AK, Thomson RM, Henery PM, et al . Social media use and health risk behaviours in young people: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2023;383:e073552. ### Implications for practice and research Worldwide, young people (YP) have a notable online presence with the majority of Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) users <35 years of age. WHO has recognised the potential role and impact of social media to improve health outcomes and the generation of misinformation.1 Although YP have a noticeable online presence, the impact on health behaviours remains unclear. The systematic review by Purba et al 2 of social media use and YP’s health-associated risk-taking behaviours (eg, alcohol, drug, tobacco use) and unhealthy lifestyle choices (eg, exercise, diet, gambling, sexual risk taking) …