Social Media Addiction Mental Health Impact

Posted on January 28, 2025

At International Survey Associates, we aim to report valid, reliable data used to make research-based decisions that drive improvement. We gather perception data from students, teachers, and parents and provide detailed reports to crucial education stakeholders, providing a platform for informed decision-making at the administrative level. In this post, we explore how social media addiction can exacerbate mental health issues in teens and provide insights on how to mitigate these risks.

Mental health issues among teenagers have been rising for more than a decade, and some experts are committed to determining how much social media use is to blame. In 2023, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, released an advisory called Social Media and Youth Mental Health, in which he says there is growing evidence that social media is causing harm to the mental health of young people. Soon after, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued its own health advisory. In June 2024, Dr. Murthy called for a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, which would require an act of Congress to implement.

However, the issue is complicated. While there are indicators that social media can have a profound risk to teens, social media use aimed at making healthy connections with others may benefit some people. Social media has become an integral part of teenage social life, and sometimes academic or sports programs as well. With access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat, teens are constantly connected to their peers, trends, and news events. Social media platforms offer chances for creativity, connection, and self-expression. However, the rise of excessive social media use among teens has also raised concerns about its impact on mental health.

The Rise of Social Media Addiction

Social media addiction among teens is a growing concern. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online “almost constantly.” The pressure to stay connected, respond quickly, and maintain a curated online persona can lead to unhealthy behaviors. The desire for validation through engagements (likes, comments, and shares) can become an addictive cycle, where teens prioritize online approval over real-world interactions.

Research has shown that excessive social media use can have several negative effects on the mental health of teens. Some of the key mental health challenges associated with social media addiction include:

Increased Anxiety and Depression: Constant exposure to curated content (i.e., Instagram versus reality) on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Teens often compare themselves to the idealized images they see online, which can negatively impact self-esteem. According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. The pressures to conform to trends, look a certain way, or get approval from friends or peers can intensify feelings of isolation and sadness.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: The anonymity of certain social media platforms can foster cyberbullying, which has become a significant issue for teens. Negative interactions online, whether through comments, messages, or even exclusion in groups and chat, can cause long-lasting emotional harm. Cyberbullying has been linked to increased depression, suicidal thoughts, and a decline in self-worth.
Sleep Disruptions: Social media addiction often leads to late-night scrolling, which can interfere with sleep patterns. Studies have shown that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt circadian rhythms and hinder sleep quality. Poor sleep, in turn, exacerbates mental health issues like anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle.
Impaired Social Skills: While social media can help teens stay connected with friends, over-reliance on online communication can hinder the development of essential social skills. Face-to-face interactions are critical for emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution. Teens who spend more time online may struggle to navigate real-world social situations, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Social media fuels the phenomenon of FOMO, where teens feel left out if they aren’t part of the latest trends or invited to events or groups. Seeing others participate in activities, celebrations, or experiences they are not invited to can deepen feelings of loneliness and insecurity.

Addressing Social Media Addiction With Protective Factors

While social media addiction poses significant challenges for teens, there is hope. Just as there are risk factors, there are also protective factors that can help mitigate the impact of excessive social media use. By helping them to create a healthier relationship with technology, we can guide teens toward more balanced digital habits.

Setting Boundaries: One of the most effective ways to manage social media addiction is to set clear boundaries around usage. Parents, caregivers, and educators can help teens establish healthy screen time limits and create tech-free zones or times (such as during meals or before bed). Encouraging offline activities like outdoor play, family time, or reading can help teens find fulfillment outside of the digital world.
Promoting Open Communication: Open conversations with teenagers about the pressures and challenges of social media can empower them to make more mindful choices. Encourage teens to express their feelings about their online experiences and share any negative interactions they may have encountered. Having these conversations helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and creates a supportive environment for teens to seek help when needed.
Modeling Healthy Tech Habits: Adults can serve as role models by managing personal screen time, engaging in face-to-face conversations, and prioritizing offline activities. They can set the tone for healthier social media usage by showing teens that a balanced lifestyle is possible.
Seeking Professional Support: If social media addiction is severely impacting a teen’s mental health or academic performance, seeking help from a trained mental health professional is crucial. Therapists and counselors can offer strategies to cope with anxiety, depression, and the pressures of social media.

Overall, social media addiction among teens is a complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration and intervention. While it offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, the mental health risks associated with excessive use cannot be ignored.

By normalizing these types of conversations about mental health and what’s best for our children, we can reduce the stigma that surrounds these topics and help students find healthy ways to navigate their digital and in-person worlds. If you would like more information on issues like student risk factors, general behavioral stress, depression, addiction, or other mental health-related challenges in your communities, International Survey Associates offers many options to fit various needs.

Resources

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html

https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use