In a study following 1,200 Canadian youth from age 5 months to 23 years, researchers investigated whether patterns of media use – television, video games, computers, and reading – were associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) in young adulthood. In particular, computer use that increased until age 15, then decreased, was associated with higher PEs at age 23 compared to lower use, even when adjusting for other factors such as family and childhood characteristics. While more research is needed, the study suggests there may be shared risk factors for both certain patterns of youth media use and future psychotic experiences. To learn more, see the study in JAMA.
