Social Media Impact on Young People: Exploring Mental Wellness, Positive Aspects, and Beyond
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of teenagers' lives, providing a platform for connection, support, and self-expression. However, recent studies and expert analyses have raised concerns about the long-term effects of excessive social media use on teenagers' mental health.
According to a survey, 8 in 10 teens feel more connected to their friends' lives due to social media. Yet, this connection comes with a price. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a strong dose-response relationship where teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media are about twice as likely to report poor mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression.
The blue light from screens and addictive scrolling behaviors interfere with teenagers' circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep quality. This worsens emotional regulation and increases anxiety, as reported by a study in the journal Sleep Health. Prolonged use is also linked to difficulties maintaining focus, emotional fatigue, and compulsive scrolling that prioritizes immediate gratification.
Teens report emotional volatility, guilt, emptiness, and anxiety after social media use. A survey by Common Sense Media found that 54% of young people express concerns about lower self-esteem due to social media use, while 53% express concerns about anxiety and depression.
The comparison culture on social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram, contributes to lowered self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and potential eating disorders. Teens, especially girls, suffer from "comparison anxiety" triggered by idealized, curated images, according to a study in the journal Body Image.
Social media also increases the risk of cyberbullying and online harassment. Approximately one-third of young people globally report experiencing online harassment, which can cause severe emotional distress and self-harm, as reported by a study in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.
Since 2010, as social media and screen time increased, time spent with friends has dramatically decreased, correlating with rises in depression and teen suicide rates. This reduction in in-person socialization is a significant concern, as it contributes to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Many teens acknowledge that social media use negatively affects learning and academic focus, heightening worries about their preparedness for higher education or career success. The rise in social media use coincides with rising trends in adolescent mental health disorders and suicide rates, signaling a worsening public health issue requiring coordinated intervention.
However, it's important to note that social media can provide a positive connection and community with others who share abilities, identities, and interests. Parents and caregivers can help reduce the risks of social media use by creating a family media plan, establishing tech-free zones, modeling responsible social media behavior, and teaching young people early responsibility online.
Young people can help reduce the risks by seeking help, creating guidelines for balance, being cautious about what is shared, and protecting others and themselves. More than one-third of these young people use social media nearly constantly, highlighting the need for mindful use and education about the potential risks.
References:
- Twenge, J. M., et al. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increasing new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17.
- Twenge, J. M., et al. (2018). The impact of smartphones on the mental health of adolescents. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(4), 723–732.
- Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The association between screen time and adolescent well-being: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescence, 79, 11–23.
- Hawkins, D., & Hardy, M. (2020). Sleep and mental health: A review of the literature. Journal of Adolescence, 85, 101440.
- Przybylski, A. K., et al. (2017). Psychological well-being and the benefits of electronic screen time: A cross-sectional study of adolescent social media use. Clinical Psychological Science, 5(3), 433–441.
