Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2025

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Biostatistics

First Committee Member

Lynette Smith

Second Committee Member

Christopher Wichman

Third Committee Member

Elizabeth Lyden

Abstract

This replication study examines the association between frequent social media (SM) use and bullying victimization, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicide risk among U.S. young adults using data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The study replicates the findings of Young et al. (2024), the first CDC report to incorporate SM into national adolescent behavioral surveillance. Using a weighted, cross-sectional sample of 15,203 students, the replication analysis estimated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for outcomes, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual identity. 77% of students reported frequent SM use. It was significantly associated with higher odds of bullying (both at school and electronically), feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The replication confirmed the original findings and validated the robustness of the associations despite differences in the output from SUDAAN and SAS analyses. These results highlight the need for mental health interventions and continued exploration into social media’s role and influence in adolescent mental well-being and suicide prevention.

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