As more and more of our society becomes technology-dependent, social media usage is on the rise, which has become a helpful tool in navigating today’s increasingly digital world. With that dependence comes various positive and negative effects of social media, the degree of which varies greatly. With over 95% of adolescents reporting using social media today, it is important to keep in mind the effects of social media on our overall health and well-being, especially for teens, who are the most susceptible to the negative aspects of social media use. Today, many teens are using social media at a time in their lives that is also prevalent with other issues such as peer pressure, trying to fit in socially, fluctuations in body image, and comparing themselves to others. It is important to remember that social media doesn’t define you; we can’t base our entire worth on some external source of validation.
Social Media Usage in Teens
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Is there one particular age group impacted by social media more than others? Yes, in fact, according to several studies on social media usage, teens are the most likely to be affected by social media, whether it be positive or negative. For a moment, let’s examine the negative effects: according to Yale Medicine, the impact of social media on teens varies depending on the length of time they spend on social media, the type of content they consume, and their overall mental stability as individuals. For example, different people react differently to different things depending on their personality, upbringing, and worldview. How teens react to content online is entirely dependent on the individual in question. Still, it is important to remain vigilant in monitoring your child’s social content, as it could become harmful in the future if left unsupervised.
So, how does social media impact teens if they’re using it while their brains are still developing? Per Yale Medicine, during the teen years (typically ages 10-19), the brain goes through a highly sensitive developmental period when adolescents form opinions about their own identities and self-worth. According to the publication, “Frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain, potentially affecting such functions as emotional learning and behavior, impulse control, and emotional regulation.” Due to this, it is important to monitor your child’s social media use and recommend time offline. Particularly for teens, social media can be detrimental to mental health and promote an unrealistic comparison mindset.
Social Media Usage and Mental Health: Negative Effects
Many studies have shown social media to be detrimental to the developing brain, with researchers linking its usage to problems in emotional regulation and impulse control issues, among many other negative temperamental behaviors. Some studies have also revealed how it can be a precursor to developing further distressing mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. For example, the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory found that if teens spent more than 3 hours a day on social media, their risk of developing poor mental health outcomes almost doubled.
The Surgeon General Advisory also reported that studies have found a significant correlation between social media use and body image issues, such as body dysmorphia, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and depression. When surveyed teens were asked about the effects of social media on their body image, 46% of them responded that social media makes them feel worse about themselves, while 40% said it made them feel neither better or worse, and only 14% said it made them feel better about themselves.
Furthermore, in their findings, Yale Medicine named content such as eating disorders and self-harm as big concerns for teens aged 12-15, particularly young girls. According to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, “Despite social media providing a sense of community for some, a systematic review of more than two dozen studies found that some social media platforms show live depictions of self-harm acts. Further, these studies found that discussing or showing this content can normalize such behaviors.” If exposed to this type of content online, there is a growing fear that teens might try to emulate some of the content listed above. To deter this, always be sure to monitor your child’s social media use and check in frequently to assess their mental and emotional well-being.
Social Media Usage and Mental Health: Positive Effects
Despite its potential for overwhelming negative impacts, social media does have many positive attributes as well. For example, it can be a form of self-expression for many teens – Online, they can create connections with like-minded people and foster a community of individuals similar to themselves, in turn making them feel seen and heard. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 80% of teens attributed social media to helping them feel more connected to their friends, 71% attributed social media as a place where they can show off their creative sides, 67% they created a community of people who support them through hard times, and 58% said they feel more accepted online than in in-person interactions. In contrast, 38% of teens surveyed said that social media made them feel overwhelmed, 31% said it made them feel left out by their friends, and 23% admitted that what they see online made them feel worse about themselves.
With these effects of social media in mind, It’s extremely important to practice self-care in the form of taking time away from social media. Furthermore, remember not to equate your self-worth to Instagram likes or Facebook comments. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, it is important to remember that your social media following doesn’t define you and to spend copious amounts of time offline. While social media can be a useful tool, it is extremely important to take time away from it every now and then. Finally, remember to set daily limits for yourself and your children when it comes to social media.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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