Hyper-texting and hyper-networking: A new health risk category for teens?

Objective: To investigate the prevalence "hyper-texting" (texting ≥120 time/school day) and "hyper-networking" (≥3 hours using online social network sites/school day) among adolescents and their association with health. Background: There is an increasing volume of teens using communication technology. It is unclear whether extremes of this behavior are associated with poorer health. Methods: This cross sectional survey of high school students (n=4257) in an urban Midwestern county included core Youth Risk Behavior Survey items with additional items to address communication technology and other health topics. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square, and logistic regression. Results: Hyper-texting (HT) was reported by 19.8% of teens, while 22.5% report no texting. Hyper-networking (HN) is reported by 11.5%, with 22.2% reporting no online social network involvement. HT/HN occurred more often among minority students; among females; in female headed households; and with lower socioeconomic status. Controlling for demographic factors, HT/HN were associated with higher levels of sexual activity, sex partners, perceived stress, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, binge drinking, tobacco use, and marijuana use. HT/HN students were more likely to be obese; demonstrate eating disordered behavior; miss school due to illness; have lower self-rated health; feel unsafe at school; and get less adequate sleep. Teen perception of parent attitudes regarding substance use and sex were more permissive with HT/HN. No texting or social networking was associated with better health outcomes. Minor differences between HT and HN are noted. Conclusion: Excessive use of communications technology among teens is related to higher levels of health risk behaviors and poorer health outcomes.