The effects of social media on adolescent mental health

Judgement and criticism from one’s peers can have an outsized impact during the transition to adolescence (Leggett-James & Laursen, 2023). It’s no surprise then social media feedback via likes, shares, and views can become a way for teens to quantify their social standing (Hamilton et al., 2023). One study found teens receiving less likes on their posts felt more negatively about themselves as opposed to those who were strongly received on social media. Self-esteem can plummet and self-perception can become distorted, all due to online content.

Countless studies have associated social media use with several psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem (Pantic, 2014). While interactions on social media can be plentiful, most of them are shallow and lacking substance, and are not a good substitution for face-to-face communication. Too much time on social media can result in a lack of communication with family members and a smaller social circle, which can lead to feelings of depression and isolation.

Young people who post on social media are at risk of being bullied, harassed or even blackmailed (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Mental health conditions can be caused or perpetuated by online harassment and discrimination.

People of all ages compare themselves to others based on prevailing views of what attractiveness is and what people are “supposed” to look like. This is no different on social media, where many images can contain unobtainable physical appearances (Leggett-James & Laursen, 2023). A decrease in body satisfaction for young people going through puberty was common even before social media, but being online has exacerbated the problem, as there are now more and more opportunities for one to compare themselves with others. In one study of children on social media ranging from third to sixth graders, higher social media use was associated with greater decreases in body satisfaction and physical activity. The only prerequisite was the children more impacted already had a high susceptibility to peer influence. Many preteens struggle with whether photos are digitally altered or not, believing the images they see to be real (Leggett-James & Laursen, 2023). Photos on social media taken of people in the most flattering light possible can lead to distorted body ideals and a decrease in body satisfaction.

Negative body image associated with high amounts of social media use can lead to self-sexualization (Ward et al., 2023). Routine sexual objectification in mass media leads many young people to feel pressure to prioritize their appearance as opposed to their inner feelings. This objectification is magnified on Instagram and Snapchat in particular, as these platforms frequently highlight sexualized imagery that is regularly viewed by youth. Numerous studies show links between teens, especially girls, that frequently use social media and issues such as body shame, eating disorders, sexual disfunction and self-objectification.

Overuse of social media can impact the amount someone participates in a traditional communal lifestyle, leading to feelings of isolation (Pantic, 2024), despite the supposed connectivity social media can provide. Additionally, the need to conform to one’s peers can have a negative impact as well (Leggett-James & Laursen, 2023). This can lead to longer amounts of time on social media in the never ending quest to fit in or be popular. Too much time on social media can lead to sleep disruption, consuming misinformation, distorted body image and potential cyberbullying (Hamilton et al., 2023). Time online can also take away from much-needed physical activity, resulting in greater likelihood of childhood obesity.

School closures and physical distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in social media becoming an even more vital way adolescents communicated with one another (Hamilton et al., 2023). Youth turned to social media during a time of distress, uncertainty and boredom. Normative developmental milestones were celebrated online instead of in person. Due to a lack of other activities, many teens reported a pressure to immediately respond to messages from their peers. Many harmful effects of social media were magnified.