Adolescents' Climate Anxiety Is Related to Participation in Pro-Environmental Movements Through Social Media Usage: Boys Show Greater Associations Than Girls

Climate change is an increasingly global issue that impacts individual well-being. Research has shown that adolescents are more at risk of experiencing climate anxiety, leading them to be more sensitive to the topic and to act in favor of the environment. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between climate anxiety and the likelihood of participating in pro-environmental movements via getting information through social media on pro-environmental content in a sample of 480 adolescents (F = 74%; Mage = 16.09, SD = 1.46). Moreover, the moderating role of gender in the relationship mentioned earlier was examined. Findings showed that higher climate anxiety is related to greater information via social media on pro-environmental content, which, in turn, is related to an increased likelihood of participating in pro-environmental movements. Further, the relationship between climate anxiety and getting information via social media and the indirect relationship between climate anxiety and the likelihood of participating in pro-environmental movements via getting information is stronger in boys than girls. Limitations of the study, future research developments, and practical implications are discussed.