Rural Realities: Young People, Digital Technology, and Well-being

Young people today are navigating mental health challenges in a time of constant digital connection. Social media and digital technology are woven into nearly every aspect of their daily lives. For rural young people, experiences with mental health, social media, and help-seeking are shaped by a mix of isolation and opportunity. Digital spaces can serve as both a lifeline and a landscape to navigate with care. Rural young people are less likely to use social media daily compared to their suburban/urban peers. 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. Rural and suburban/urban young people experience depression and anxiety at similar rates. Rural young people are less likely to use mental health and well-being mobile apps, even when experiencing depression or anxiety. Rural young people are less likely to have attended online therapy to support their mental health and well-being. Rural young people are more likely to permanently stop using social media due to harassment, negative experiences, or concerns about time spent online. Rural young people are less likely to encounter affirming content about diverse identities on social media. Rural young people are less likely to report high levels of life purpose.