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Social media and mental health

Samanta Dimanche

Department of Sociology, Massasoit community college

Sociology 104

Stephen L. Mott

March 28,2025

Over the past decade, social media has transformed how people communicate, build

relationships, and engage with the world around them. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram,

TikTok, and Twitter are now used by billions of individuals globally, becoming a big part of

everyday life for both adults and teenagers. As these platforms grow, so do concerns about their

potential effects on mental health. In particular, scholars and health professionals have begun to

examine whether frequent or excessive social media use contributes to increased rates of

depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other psychological issues. This research paper explores

what academic studies have documented about the relationship between social media use and

mental health. It focuses on both the general population and teenagers, who are among the most

active users and potentially the most vulnerable. While some studies suggest that social media

can provide connection and support, others highlight risks such as cyberbullying, social

comparison, and problematic use.

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Social Media Use and Mental Health in the General Population

Most adults now use at least one social media platform, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Since mental health issues like depression and anxiety affect about one in four people yearly,

researchers have explored how social media might relate to well-being. Findings are mixed.

Some studies report a small link between frequent use and poorer mental health, such as higher

anxiety or depressive symptoms. Others find no clear connection, suggesting the effects may vary

by individual. Research shows that how people use social media matters more than how much

they use it. Passive use (scrolling and viewing) is often linked to loneliness and comparison,

while active use (posting and interacting) can support social engagement. Still, the evidence is

not consistent. A 2024 study by Yu et al. found that frequent posters showed a slight increase in

distress after one year, while passive viewers did not show significant changes. Overall, large-

scale studies find that social media has a small effect on adult mental health. For example, Orben

et al. (2019) reported a weak negative correlation between use and life satisfaction. When looking

at changes over time, increased use had almost no impact on individuals’ well-being. These

findings suggest that other life factors play a much bigger role.

Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health

Adolescents (roughly ages 13–18) have become a focal point in the social media and mental

health debate. This is partly because today’s teens are the first generation to grow up with

smartphones and social networking from early adolescence, and partly because adolescence is a

critical period for emotional development. By the mid-2010s, the vast majority of teenagers were

using social media daily, and many reported being online “almost constantly.” Researchers and
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clinicians observed a concerning rise in teen mental health issues during this same timeframe .

Major surveys in the United States and other countries found that after around 2012, rates of

adolescent depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicide all showed sharp increases

. This trend was especially pronounced among girls. Psychologist Jean Twenge (2020) and

colleagues have argued that these worsening youth mental health indicators are not coincidental –

they correlate with the explosion of smartphone and social media use among teens, suggesting a

potential link (Twenge, 2020). Twenge’s review of national data noted that the spike in mood

disorders and suicide-related outcomes began around the time smartphones reached over 50%

penetration and social media usage became nearly universal among teens . Several mechanisms

have been proposed by which heavy social media use could contribute to this decline in well-

being: displacement of in-person social time (i.e. hanging out with friends less often), increased

exposure to cyberbullying or toxic online content, disrupted sleep cycles due to late-night screen

time, and “fear of missing out” (FOMO) or harmful social comparisons facilitated by constant

connectivity .

Correlation with Depression and Anxiety

Many studies have examined whether teens who use social media more frequently have worse

mental health. Overall, research supports a positive correlation between high social media use

and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents (Keles et al., 2020). While the

effect size is generally small to moderate, it appears consistently across multiple cross-sectional

studies. For example, adolescents using social media more than three hours per day show a higher

risk of internalizing problems compared to lighter users. Also, using several platforms has been

linked to greater emotional distress, possibly due to the pressure of managing multiple online
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identities (Primack et al., 2017).However, it’s important to note that correlation does not imply

causation. Depressed teens may turn to social media more often, and some longitudinal studies

suggest the relationship can go both ways. Overall, heavy or maladaptive use increases the

likelihood of mental health issues, but it is likely one of many contributing factors.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Cyberbullying is a serious risk for adolescents, involving repeated peer harassment through social

media, texting, or other digital platforms. The structure of social media allows public shaming,

hateful comments, rumor spreading, and the sharing of embarrassing content. Studies have shown

that victims of cyberbullying often report higher levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and

even suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Nixon (2014) found a strong link between cyberbullying and

poor mental health in teens, with victims experiencing more depressive symptoms and

psychological distress. Even perpetrators tend to show more aggression and substance use

problems, indicating deeper psychosocial issues. Social media intensifies traditional bullying by

giving 24/7 access to victims, making it harder to escape. Adolescent girls may be especially

vulnerable to online victimization like body-shaming or exclusion, contributing to gender

differences in mental health. Overall, cyberbullying is a key way social media can harm youth,

and it remains a major concern for prevention efforts.

Positive Aspects and Social Support

Despite the risks, social media can also offer important benefits for teen mental health. Many

adolescents report that it helps them stay in touch with friends and receive emotional support.

Surveys show that teens often feel more connected and supported through online interactions. For
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example, over 80% say social media strengthens friendships, and many use it to connect with

diverse groups or find comfort when they feel down. Research supports these positive effects.

One study found that when teens received supportive feedback online, their mood and depressive

symptoms improved (Frison & Eggermont, 2015). Social media can be especially helpful for

isolated youth, including LGBTQ+ teens or those with rare conditions, by offering access to

supportive communities and mental health resources. In this way, social media is often seen as a

“double-edged sword”: it can cause harm, but it can also promote connection, belonging, and

emotional well-being, depending on how it is used.

Discussion

The relationship between social media use and mental health is complex and influenced by

multiple factors. While numerous studies report associations between high social media use and

increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem—particularly among

adolescents—other research highlights positive effects, such as increased social support and

connection. These mixed findings suggest that the effects of social media are not uniform.

Variables such as usage patterns, individual vulnerability, age, and context all contribute to

different outcomes. Active and intentional use may offer benefits, while excessive or

emotionally-driven use may increase psychological distress. Establishing causality remains a

challenge, as many studies are correlational. Further longitudinal research is necessary to clarify

the direction of these relationships and to develop strategies that promote healthier and more

mindful social media use.

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In conclusion, academic research on social media and mental health paints a complex picture. For

the general population, social media use has been associated with small increases in risks for

depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, but these effects are generally modest and

strongly influenced by individual usage patterns. Among adolescents, who tend to use social

media more intensively, the correlations with poor mental health are more pronounced. Heavy

use among teenagers is often linked to higher levels of depression, reduced well-being, or

suicidal ideation, and specific issues such as cyberbullying can have serious psychological

consequences. At the same time, social media is not universally harmful. Many users—both

young and older—report positive experiences, including increased social support and a stronger

sense of connection, which can help protect mental health. The existing literature suggests that

the impact of social media depends largely on how and how much it is used, and in what context.

Negative outcomes are more common when use becomes excessive or involves harmful

interactions, while moderate and positive engagement can be neutral or even beneficial. Future

research should continue to explore these nuances and address unanswered questions.

Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand causal relationships and the developmental

impact of social media over time. Researchers are also investigating practical interventions—

such as digital education, mindful usage habits, and improved platform design—to promote

healthier online experiences. Early findings suggest that measures like taking regular breaks from

social media or reducing exposure to harmful content may support mental well-being. As social

media remains a central part of modern life, it is essential to find ways to minimize its risks while

enhancing its potential to support mental health for all users, including future generations.
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References

Chen, H. (2022). Teens, social media and technology 2022. Pew Research Center. (Not peer-

reviewed, for general information)

Nixon, C. L. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health.

Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 5, 143–158.

https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S36456

Orben, A., Dienlin, T., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). Social media’s enduring effect on adolescent

life satisfaction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(21), 10226–10228.

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1902058116

Shannon, H., Bush, K., Villeneuve, P. J., Hellemans, K. G. C., & Guimond, S. (2022).

Problematic social media use in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-

analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 9(4), e33450. https://doi.org/10.2196/33450

Twenge, J. M. (2020). Increases in depression, self-harm, and suicide among U.S. adolescents

after 2012 and links to technology use: Possible mechanisms. Psychiatric Research and Clinical

Practice, 2(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.prcp.20190015

Yu, Y., Dykxhoorn, J., & Plackett, R. (2024). The impact of different types of social media use

on the mental health of UK adults: Longitudinal observational study. Journal of Medical Internet

Research, 26, e56950. https://doi.org/10.2196/56950