Examining the role of family in teen TikTok use and diet

^{Adrianna Bell}

Social media use is ubiquitous among teens and young adults. Nearly 3 of 5 teens report daily TikTok use and 2 of 5 report using it almost constantly. Exposure to and use of social media during a time of such critical physical, cognitive and emotional development can put teens in a vulnerable position. Social media has been linked to many adverse outcomes in teen mental and dietary health due to its idealized portrayals, displacement of other healthful activities and food marketing strategies. Although social media also has some positive impacts, little is known about how to protect teens from its harmful effects.

Parents could play an influential role in teen social media use that could counteract negative influences. Center member and PhD student Adrianna Bell, BSN, RN, PHN (adviser, Melissa Horning, PhD) is leading two studies examining the role of family in teen’s social media use over time. The research is funded by the University of Minnesota Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship and School of Nursing Sophia Grant. The first study assesses patterns of family closeness and mealtime characteristics in more than 1,200 adolescents and how their social media use and diet changed transitioning into young adulthood.

The second study includes four focus groups conducted at a local high school. The focus group study materials were reviewed by a Youth Advisory Board for relevance prior to recruitment, strengthening the relevance of the study to teens. Teens discussed how TikTok influenced their eating and the role of parental involvement in their TikTok use. Analyses for these studies are nearing completion. This novel research is the first to examine the role of family in teen social media use and diet. Results of these studies will highlight the critical role of parents in protecting adolescents from more social media use and lower dietary quality as they transition into young adulthood.