The Impact of Social Media On Adolescent Mental Health
The Impact of Social Media On Adolescent Mental Health
Social media has become a core aspect of adolescent life, shaping their social
experiences, self-image, and mental health. This paper explores how prolonged use
of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat contributes to
anxiety, depression, and body image issues among teenagers.
Body:
The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in the use of social media by adolescents.
While these platforms allow users to stay connected, research suggests that
excessive usage correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression (Twenge et
al., 2017). Adolescents often engage in social comparison, evaluating themselves
against idealized portrayals of others. This can lead to negative self-esteem and
body dissatisfaction, particularly among teenage girls.
Conclusion:
While social media offers opportunities for connection, it poses serious risks to
adolescent mental health. Encouraging digital literacy and promoting healthy usage
habits can help mitigate these effects.
References:
Scott, H., & Woods, H. C. (2018). Understanding links between social media use,
sleep, and mental health in adolescents. Sleep Health, 4(6), 483–489.
Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., et al. (2017). Increases in depressive symptoms among
adolescents after 2010. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17..