Hopelab looks at mental health and social media in kids in rural areas…

In this report, Hopelab examines the mental health, well-being, and online behaviors of young people aged 14-22 (n = 1,274) living in rural communities (21% of those sampled) compared to those living in suburban/urban communities (77%). The term “rural” refers to respondents who selected “rural” when asked to choose the option that best describes where they live, while “suburban/urban” includes those who selected either “suburban” or “urban.” This report explores how rural young people engage with social media, experience mental health and well-being, and access support for mental health needs in comparison to their suburban/ urban peers. This project centers the voices and experiences of rural young people and was developed using youth co-design practices. Youth co-distillation also informed the interpretation of results.6

Here are their key findings:

1. Rural young people are less likely to use social media daily compared to their suburban/urban peers.
2. Rural young people are more likely to prefer communicating via social media rather than in person, and they use social media differently than their suburban/urban peers.
3. Rural and suburban/ urban young people experience depression and anxiety at similar rates.
4. Rural young people are less likely to use mental health and well-being mobile apps, even when experiencing depression or anxiety.
5. Rural young people are less likely to have attended online therapy to support their mental health and well-being.
6. Rural young people are more likely to permanently stop using social media due to harassment, negative experiences, or concerns about time spent online.
7. Rural young people are less likely to encounter affirming content about diverse identities on social media.
8. Rural young people are less likely to report high levels of life purpose.