Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors in High School Girls

Despite the widespread use of social media among adolescents, there has been limited research on its impact on risky sexual behaviors, which can have long-lasting consequences, especially for young girls. This study investigated the link between social media use and risky sexual behaviors among female adolescents. Participants (n = 5,468) were high school girls who reported their social media use and risky sexual behaviors in the 2023 Youth Behavior Risk Survey. Chi-squared tests and log-binomial regression models were used for analysis, with a sensitivity analysis performed using the same approach in SAS 9.4 (p < .05). Frequent social media users were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors and reported a higher number of such behaviors compared to non-frequent users. This association between social media use and risky sexual behaviors reinforces the need for systemic interventions within schools, like school-based media literacy programs and comprehensive sex education, and intervention from school counselors. This study provides valuable insights for school counselors and shares CBT, ACT, and mindfulness skills to help adolescents challenge distorted beliefs and build resilience.