Social Media and Youth Mental Health
24.10.2025
Introduction
Social media has transformed how young people learn, communicate and socialize. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook now integrate into social lives, influencing identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and self-expression, evidence shows that excessive social media use can negatively impact youth mental health.
Positive Impacts on Mental Health
Psychological and social experience and benefits: Social media platforms provide psychological and social experience and benefits for youth. They allow youths to maintain relationships, build connections, and access information. According to the Pew Research Center, over 80% of teens report feeling more connected to their friends through social media, and many use it as a source of emotional support.
Identity development: Social media plays a positive role in identity development, particularly for marginalized youth. For example, online communities help youths find support and acceptance. Similarly, youth experiencing mental health challenges can find peer support and coping resources through online mental health communities.
Improved self-esteem and well-being: Moderate and mindful use of social media, especially when interactions are supportive, has been associated with improved self-esteem and well-being. Therefore, social media is not inherently harmful; its effects depend largely on the context and manner of use.
Negative Impacts on Mental Health
Despite the aforementioned positive benefits, social media can pose serious mental health risks when use becomes excessive.
Increased Anxiety and Depression: Heavy social media use results in higher rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. According to a 2020 study, adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media are twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who use it less frequently. Similarly, social media use strongly predicts depression and anxiety among adolescents.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: The online environment also increases exposure to cyberbullying, which is linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among youth. The anonymity of social media platforms can intensify aggression and harassment, leaving victims feeling powerless and isolated. Research suggests that adolescents who experience cyberbullying are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers who do not
Sleep Disruption and Attention Problems: Excessive screen time, especially at night, can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to poor mental health outcomes. Adolescents who use social media frequently before bed reported higher levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, constant notifications and multitasking online may reduce attention span and increase stress.
Strategies for Healthier Use
- Limiting screen time to less than two hours per day
- Encouraging digital literacy to manage online pressures.
- Promoting offline activities such as sports and hobbies
- Fostering open communication between parents and youth
- Designing safer online environments.
Conclusion
Social media has both positive and negative impacts on youth mental health. When used intentionally and positively, it can enhance social connection, learning, and identity development. However, excessive or problematic use, especially involving social comparison, cyberbullying, or sleep disruption, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem. Parents, educators, and policymakers must therefore focus on digital balance and emotional resilience rather than abstinence.
References
Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online communication, social media, and adolescent wellbeing: A systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services Review, 41, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.03.001
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2022). Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. https://cps.ca/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children
El Asam, A., & Samara, M. (2023). The relationship between social media use and mental health among adolescents: A systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1190390. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1190390
Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851
Pew Research Center. (2022). Teens, social media and technology 2022. https://www.pewresearch.org
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.05.0