EXPLORING THE DIFFERENTIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TO MEDIA EFFECTS MODEL (DSMM) IN THE CONTEXT OF YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

Abstract

This meta-analysis explores the relationship between social media use and youth mental health specifically anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress (STS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the lens of the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM). DSMM proposes that media effects vary based on individual traits, developmental stage, and social context. A systematic review of quantitative studies published between 2013 and 2025 was conducted across major databases. Included studies focused on youth and reported empirical data on social media use and mental health outcomes. The findings revealed association between higher social media exposure and increased psychological distress. These results conceptually support DSMM, highlighting the importance of individual and contextual factors in shaping media effects. This study emphasizes the value of theory-driven approaches in understanding digital media’s psychological impact and offers insights for youth mental health support and digital literacy interventions.

Keywords:  Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM), Social Media Use, Youth Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), COVID-19 Pandemic, Media Psychology, Adolescents and Young Adults, Digital Media Exposure, Meta-Analysis