The relationship between social media and mental health for teens can be complex, and how social media affects mental health in teens is often discussed. Well-known social psychologist Jonathan Haidt was quoted as saying “Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable, and…unsuitable for children and adolescents.”
On the other hand, social media has made mental health education and services more accessible, has made it easier for teens to connect over common challenges, and many teens are finding a sense of community that doesn’t exist in typical day-to-day lives.
How Social Media Affects Mental Health in Teens Negatively
Research that shows how social media affects mental health in teens negatively continues to grow. While numerous aspects are being studied, here are a few of the more well-known side effects:
Body image concerns
A study of high school girls revealed those who were Facebook users scored higher on all body image concerns than nonusers, potentially leading to “internalization of the ‘thin ideal’ body image.”
Anxiety and depression
Many have argued a correlation between time spent on social media platforms and anxiety and depression, and there is research to support this. However, some good news from the research on this front is that positive interactions online (supportive, socially connected) are connected to lower levels of anxiety and depression, though negative interactions do lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression.
Cyberbullying
A 2022 report found that nationwide, nearly 20% of all students ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied. Of those, 21.6% reported being bullied online or by text. Cyberbullying is particularly dangerous because it is often less visible for teachers, peers, and adults, and because smart devices and connectivity can provide cyberbullies with round-the-clock connectivity to their targets.
How Social Media Affects Mental Health in Teens Positively
There are some ways that social media affects mental health in teens positively, and here are three of our favorites:
Social Connection
Staying connected through times of isolation or separation is hugely important to humans, especially teens. In recent memory, this was demonstrated during COVID-19. Other examples of events that could cause isolation for teens include extreme weather events, a family move, or even teacher strikes. The ability to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of current location, fosters a sense of community and belonging that is important to teens’ well-being.
Awareness and Advocacy
While all adults may not agree, social media can be educational for teens! Across social media platforms, there are conversations happening around mental health, ways to reduce stigma, tips and tools for having difficult conversations, and organizations and influencers that are exposing teens to positive ways to care for their mental health.
Inspiration
The internet is full of mental health channels that share a message of positivity and inspiration. Stories of people overcoming challenges related to their mental health, education and campaigns to inspire teens to change or improve their habits with technology, or even simple memes with quotes, jokes, and photos can have a positive impact on teens.
No matter your opinion on how social media affects mental health in teens, social media is here to stay. A somewhat shocking 97% of American teens aged 13 – 17 in the U.S. have a social media profile. The solution to maintaining positive mental health while using social media may be found in how teens use it, and how much they use it. In 2022 Jonathan Haidt testified before Congress, encouraging them to introduce legislation to address this issue. His presented findings revealed that one to two hours of social media use per day is often not associated with an increase in poor mental health, but three to four hours a day leads to sharp increases in mental illness, specifically related to depression and anxiety.
Willow Hills Wellness Can Help
Recognizing when a teen needs professional help can be challenging for parents and guardians, especially during adolescence when teens are experiencing big and new emotions or navigating other life changes. In some cases, outpatient therapy or non-residential treatment options may be sufficient to help teens negatively affected by social media improve their mental health. However, residential treatment options like those offered at Willow Hills Wellness can provide much-needed respite in a safe environment, allowing teens to focus fully on their recovery–away from the harmful effects, strains, and pressures of social media or other distractions of daily life. How social media affects mental health in teens can be profound but also unique to the individual. If you think your teen is experiencing the negative effects of social media and it is having an impact on their mental health, contact Willow Hills Wellness today to discuss what treatment options are available.
