Behavioral and Psychosocial Mechanisms Linking Digital Technology Use and Mental Health Across Adolescents and Young Adults: A Narrative Review

Digital technologies have become an integral part of daily life, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The widespread use of smartphones, social media platforms, and digital communication tools has significantly transformed social interactions, access to information, and lifestyle patterns (Odgers & Jensen, 2020; Twenge et al., 2018). However, increasing evidence suggests that excessive or maladaptive use of digital technologies may have both beneficial and adverse effects on mental health (Keles et al., 2020; Orben & Przybylski, 2019). This narrative review aims not only to synthesize current evidence but also to identify key behavioral and psychosocial mechanisms, clinical risk factors, and potential intervention strategies associated with digital technology use and mental health outcomes. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2024. The findings indicate that digital technologies may contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly in relation to excessive social media use, cyberbullying, and disrupted sleep patterns (Scott et al., 2019; Woods & Scott, 2016). At the same time, digital tools offer important opportunities, including improved access to mental health resources, enhanced social support, and the development of digital therapeutic interventions (Firth et al., 2017; Naslund et al., 2016). Importantly, this review emphasizes that the impact of digital technologies is mediated by underlying behavioral and psychosocial mechanisms, rather than being determined solely by exposure or screen time. From a public health perspective, understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and promoting responsible, balanced use of digital technologies. The inclusion of both adolescent and young adult populations reflects the overlap in digital behaviors and psychosocial processes across these developmental stages, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of risk and protective factors.