How Social Media Affects the Mental Health of Young People

By: Taylor Campbell (MD Student at Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences, Cohort 8 AHEC Scholar)

Social media is a major part of daily life for teens and young adults. Apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat allow young people to connect with friends, share interests, and express themselves creatively. While social media can be fun and helpful, spending too much time online can affect mental well-being. Many young people compare themselves to influencers or feel pressure to look “perfect,” which can create anxiety, stress, or low self-esteem. Cyberbullying, negative comments, and constant notifications can also make it difficult for young people to feel confident or relaxed (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022).

For youth from underserved communities, these stresses can be even heavier. Young people who face challenges like financial strain, unsafe neighborhoods, or limited access to mental-health support may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of social media. Research shows that teens in low-income areas experience higher rates of online stress, including cyberbullying and pressure to fit in socially (Pew Research Center, 2023). According to Pew, about 70% of teens in low-income communities report emotional difficulties linked to social media use. When mental-health care is difficult to access due to cost, transportation, or stigma, the effects can be even more severe (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022).

Despite these challenges, there are many ways to make social media use safer and healthier for young people. Setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time, turning off notifications, or taking planned breaks, can help reduce stress. Encouraging teens to unfollow accounts that make them feel bad about themselves and instead follow positive or educational pages can also make a difference. Free online resources, such as Google’s “Be Internet Awesome,” offer helpful lessons about staying safe online (Google, n.d.). Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers can also support youth by offering workshops, safe spaces, or conversations about healthy digital habits (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022).

It is also important to recognize that social media can offer benefits when used mindfully. Young people can use these platforms to find community, explore their identities, and connect with supportive groups that share their experiences. Many teens use social media to learn about mental health, coping skills, or local resources (Pew Research Center, 2023). When balanced with real-life support from families, trusted adults, mentors, or health professionals, social media can become a tool for empowerment rather than harm. Helping young people build healthy online habits allows them to enjoy the positive parts of social media while staying safe and mentally well.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Social media and youth mental health. [https://www.aap.org/]

Google. (n.d.). Be internet awesome. [https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/]

Pew Research Center. (2023). Teens, social media and technology 2023. [https://www.pewresearch.org/]