Today’s teenagers are more connected to technology than ever before. However, experts are warning that this connection comes with serious risks. A new research study found that social media use may be hurting young people’s mental health, leading to more cases of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
A recent Pew Research Center study found that almost half of U.S. teens believe that social media has a mostly negative impact on people their age. Many teens reported feeling pressure to show a perfect version of themselves online, leading to feelings of stress and loneliness. A teen boy quoted in the report stated, “The overuse of social media in our society seems to be the main cause of depression among those in my age group. People seem to let themselves be affected by the opinions of people they don’t know, and it wreaks havoc upon people’s states of mind.” His words explain how social media can change the way teens think about themselves and others, leading to lowered self-confidence.
Experts who work with teens are seeing the damage as well. Sarah Scherger, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, has reported seeing mental health problems appear earlier and earlier in teens. “Cell phones are contributing to tremendous mental health concerns being seen at younger and younger ages, including depression and anxiety. While these diagnoses can sometimes be exacerbated by things happening in school, social media chronically being on can also play a factor,” Scherger said.
School leaders are also noticing the effects of social media on adolescents. Many schools are struggling with students who have difficulty focusing in class due to the presence of cellphones and other electronics. Some principals also report that students are beginning to feel “conditioned” to expect a new message or notification at any moment, making it more challenging for them to stay present and focused in their day-to-day life.
While social media is not completely negative towards teen’s mental health, since it can help teens stay connected to friends and find supportive communities, experts still agree that its risks cannot be overlooked. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are designed to keep users engaged, and that constant connection can create unhealthy habits that harm mental health.
Additionally, health leaders, including the former U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murphy, are calling for an increase in researching the effects of social media use, creating safer platform designs, and more conversations about social media between parents and their children. Meanwhile, many experts suggest that teens and parents set healthy limits on screen time, talk openly about what they see online, and to focus on real-world relationships.
Social media isn’t going away any time soon, but by understanding the risks that come with using it, teens and adults can work together to protect their youth’s mental health before the damage becomes too difficult to repair.
