From Likes to Stress: The Effects of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

Teenagers have overwhelming pressure coming at them from all directions. From thinking about the future and what they want to do with their lives, to maintaining good grades, to dealing with relationships and social stresses. With all of that to think about, it’s not uncommon for today’s teens to struggle with anxiety or depression. 

When you add social media into the mix, those risks become even greater. Social media has plenty of benefits. It’s a great way for teenagers to stay connected, share life experiences, and more. But, multiple studies have shown that the effects of social media can take a toll on the mental health of teenagers. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential problems, and what you can do to make sure your teen can utilize social media in safe, healthy ways. 

Struggling With Social Norms

There’s no question that social media has become integrated into mainstream society. For teenagers, it can add an extra layer of pressure to fit in. They might feel the need to check their platforms constantly or worry about missing out on things. 

They also might get validation from “likes” on the things they share. If they don’t get the attention or acknowledgement they feel they need on social media, it can lead to self-doubt and even insecurity issues. 

Social media is often nothing more than a highlight reel of people’s lives. But, it can be hard for teenagers to separate that from real life. For example, if they see a friend sharing photos on social media with other people, it can cause your teen to feel left out or rejected. Even if they follow an influencer or someone they don’t know but look up to, the unrealistic expectations and “norms” people share on social media can wreak havoc on a teenager’s self-esteem. 

Social Media Addiction

Because teens often worry about missing out on things or being left out of social circles, they can end up spending hours each day scrolling through social media platforms. Eventually, it can even become an addiction. Some of the signs of social media addiction include: 

• Compulsively checking social media platforms

• Seeming to care more about friends and connections on social media than the people around them

• Spending less time doing things offline

• Withdrawing/isolating from the family

• Mood swings

For teens, social media addiction can negatively impact personal relationships and school performance. It can also lead to excess stress, anxiety, and depression. 

It’s also worth noting that social media addiction may also be a symptom of other underlying issues that your teen may not know how to cope with and may instead turn to social media as a form of coping. For example, if your teen is being bullied at school, they may turn to social media to find communities there where they feel safe and accepted.

Cyberbullying

You’ve probably heard of cyberbullying, but it happens more frequently than most people realize. According to DoSomething.org, about 37% of young people between the ages of 12-17 have been bullied online. Social media makes it very easy for people to say things they might not in person. Due to the relative anonymity of social media platforms, cyber bullies can share photos, post harmful and hurtful rumors, and so much more. 

Teenage bullying is nothing new but social media has given people a new outlet and a new way to mistreat others. If your teen has been a victim of cyberbullying, it can not only impact the way they see themselves, but it can cause problems within their social circles and make it difficult for them to spend time with their peers. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. 

Safe Social Media Use

Social media is here to stay. You don’t have to keep your teen away from it entirely. Letting them engage on different platforms can help them stay connected to friends and family. But, make sure you monitor their usage occasionally, and talk to them about using social media responsibly. If you find that they’re struggling with their mental well-being, consider encouraging a “digital detox” and help them stay away from those platforms for a while. Make gentle inquiries about what may be happening in their life that is driving what may seem like to you as excessive use.

Encouraging your teen to work with a mental health professional can also make a big difference. Teenagers can’t always handle overwhelming feelings well on their own. Counseling for teens is a great way to help them better understand their emotions while teaching them how to prioritize their mental health. They can enjoy the benefits of social media without letting some of the possible risks and drawbacks take control of their well-being.