A latent class analysis of adolescents' technology and interactive social media use: Associations with academics and substance use.

Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of technology and social media use among adolescents in a national study (n = 26,348). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between latent classes and academics and substance use. Results demonstrated four classes: Infrequent Users (55%), Interactive Users (21%), Television Watchers (14%), and Constant Users (10%). Compared to Infrequent Users, Interactive, and Constant Users had lower grades and higher alcohol and marijuana use. Television Watchers had lower grades and participated in fewer extracurricular activities compared to Infrequent Users, but there were no differences on substance use. Results show that adolescents with the most media-intensive profiles were also at greater risk for poor academic outcomes and substance use.