The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

Introduction

Social media has been around since the 2000s, but as technology has advanced rapidly, so has people’s use of these platforms, especially young people. According to Statista, in April 2024, there were 5.07 billion (62.6%) social media users worldwide.  Whether watching videos on YouTube, posting or scrolling on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X or Facebook, or messaging on Messenger or Whatsapp, it has become a part of youngster’s everyday lives.

Social media can have a pervasive influence on young people. It can have many benefits and positives, but there are negatives and risks, and there have been many examples of young people harmed by social media use. They can feel pressured to conform, the need to stay connected and fear they may miss out, which can increase the risk of addiction. Prolonged use of social media can have negative impacts on their mental health and well-being.

This blog aims to explore various ways in which social media can impact the mental health and well-being of young people. It will cover the positive and negative impacts of social media and how to use these platforms in a way that benefits young people’s mental health rather than damaging it.

Understanding Social Media Use Among Youth

Britannica defines social media as:

“A form of mass media communications on the Internet (such as on websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)”.

Generations Z and Alpha are growing up in a digital age, unlike any other generations preceding them. Therefore, their use of various technologies and social media platforms is deeply integrated into their everyday lives. They use them to stay connected with their family, friends and peers, share creative content, enhance their learning and skills, get tips, advice and support, and consume news.

Almost all young people use social media of some kind, and here are some statistics to highlight the usage among different age groups of youth:

In a 2021 survey (Statista):

• 97% of 16-17-year-olds used social media.
• 91% of 15-16-year-olds used social media, and 87% had a social media profile.
• Nine in ten aged 12-15 used social media in the UK.
• TikTok was used on average 97 minutes per day by younger social media users in the UK.
• Girls aged 13-17 were the second largest audience of TikTok influencers.

A 2023 report by Ofcom found that:

• 97% of children in their pilot study visited a social media service.
• YouTube, Facebook (including Messenger) and TikTok were the highest-reaching social media services among online children aged 8-12.
• 15–17-year-olds top six social media platforms were:
• YouTube – 96%.
• Facebook & Messenger – 87%.
• Instagram – 86%.
• TikTok – 72%.
• Snapchat – 71%.
• X (formerly Twitter) – 60%.

Ofcom’s annual study (2023) into children’s relationship with media and the online world found:

• Almost all children aged 3 to 17 (96%) watch videos on video-sharing sites and apps.
• YouTube remains the most popular site or app, used by nearly nine in ten 3–17-year-olds (88%).

According to Ofcom’s Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report:

• The proportion of children and young people who go online is as follows:
• 84% 3-4 years old.
• 96% 5-7 years old.
• 98% 8-11 years old.
• 100% 12-15 years old.
• 100% 16-17 years old.
• Social media use increases with age, rising from a third (34%) of children aged 3-7 to over six in ten (63%) 8-11s and over nine in ten 12-17s (92% of 12-15s and 95% of 16-17s, respectively).
• Over eight in ten (81%) of all children aged 8-17 use at least one social media app/site for following friends, people and organisations, reading, liking or sharing content.

As social media is used extensively by young people, it is vital to understand the positive and negative impacts that its use can have on their health and well-being.

Positive Aspects of Social Media

Social media often has a negative reputation for its risks and impact on people, especially youngsters. However, these platforms can be a force for good if used responsibly, correctly and carefully. Here are some examples of the positive aspects that social media can have:

• Facilitates communication – these platforms provide many avenues for one-way and two-way communication, e.g. posts, videos, direct messages, discussions, etc. It can help young people practice and develop their communication skills.
• Enhances connections with family, friends, peers and others – they enable young people to stay connected with other people and promote social interactions, especially if they do not live close by. It also helps them to make connections with others across the world.
• Provides access to information and resources – social media platforms can help enhance learning and develop important skills (Internet Matters), such as communication, digital, critical thinking and social. They can also provide educational opportunities, information and advice on various topics and issues, e.g. mental health, and broaden their understanding of the world.
• Raises awareness – young people can use social media platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues. It helps reduce stigma, encourages young people to seek help and advice, and enables users to share resources, experiences and coping strategies. It also provides opportunities to build communities that share concerns about important issues, e.g. the environment and social causes.
• Promotes support networks – these platforms can provide support networks for young people, which they can access if they need help, advice and guidance, especially if they are going through challenging times. They can also provide networking opportunities, helping them in their education and future careers.
• Enhances creativity – young people can use these platforms to share their creative ideas and content, express themselves and discover new ideas. Getting positive feedback and encouragement can boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Promotes acceptance – even though social media platforms are associated with harmful effects regarding body image and positivity, they can also have benefits. When young people see diverse images, it can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

In some cases, social media can positively impact mental health. Young people can find certain content humorous and it can be a good distraction. The Ofcom’s Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report stated that social media or messaging apps/sites make two-thirds (67%) of 8-17-year-olds happy all or most of the time.

A study by Oxford Saïd found that social media can positively affect people’s psychological well-being, but only if used to facilitate ‘genuinely social’ interaction, i.e. engaging with close friends and family. If young people merely follow brands, influencers or non-social entities, it is unlikely to affect their happiness.

Negative Impact on Mental Health

While social media can have positive aspects, it can also have negative impacts on young people, especially their mental health, which has been widely talked about and researched for many years. There have been recent examples where young people have died in the UK, with unlimited access to social media being the centre of the debate (Hartwell, 2024).

Social media can have many negative impacts on youth mental health, and some examples are as follows:

• Poor physical health – if young people excessively use social media, it can mean they spend less time outdoors, are more sedentary and do not get the exercise they need, which can lead to obesity and other health issues, affecting their mental health. There is also the risk of sleep deprivation.
• Comparing themselves to others – social media platforms often have idealised images of people, e.g. celebrities and influencers, and expose young people to unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyle ideals. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, obsessions with appearance and body dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders and other harmful behaviours.
• Privacy concerns – oversharing personal information and not being savvy regarding privacy when using social media can open young people up to abuse and can put them at risk of cyberattacks, dangerous people and cyberbullying. If their information is used against them or affects their reputation, it can have significant mental impacts.
• Access to harmful content – there can be images and videos of a dark, violent, sexual and inappropriate nature on social media, which can be distressing to see. According to a 2023 report by Ofcom, 22% of 8–17-year-olds (and 20% of 8-15s) with a social media profile have a user/profile age of at least 18, meaning they are at greater risk of seeing adult content.
• Negative interactions – social media can bring out the best and worst in people. Some go onto these platforms just to be abusive, bully or ‘troll’ others, which can affect young people’s mental health and emotional well-being. Cyberbullying can have devastating impacts, with many tragic examples of young people taking their own lives.
• Poor social skills – if young people are online excessively and do not get sufficient face-to-face contact with others, it can affect their social skill development, especially with younger children. It can also lead to social isolation and loneliness and reduce well-being, as they may be unable to make genuine connections with others online.
• Increased risk of addiction and mental health problems – social media use has been linked to an increased addiction risk, low mood, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety (Zsila & Reyes, 2023). Those who already have mental health issues can be at an increased risk. In worse cases, social media can lead to self-harm, suicide and even murder, especially with access to violent images and exposure to grooming online.

A 2017 RSPH and the Young Health Movement report examined social media’s positive and negative effects on young people’s health, which provides further details here.

Effects of Social Media Addiction

According to a study by the University of Cambridge and reported on by the Evening Standard, almost half of teenagers in Britain feel they are addicted to social media. Statista, in a 2023 survey, found that feelings of addiction were higher amongst female teens than males.

UK Addiction Treatment Centres defines addiction as “a chronic condition that affects the brain and its ability to process reward”. People, especially youngsters, can become addicted to social media, which is a type of behavioural addiction. Having social media addiction means they are unable to reduce or stop their consumption because they are so engaged and consumed by these platforms.

Some of the signs and symptoms of social media addiction include:

• Spending more time than usual on social media.
• Checking social media compulsively.
• Getting angry, anxious, irritable, upset or withdrawal symptoms if unable to use social media.
• Pre-occupied with social media, even when not online.
• Neglecting hobbies, activities and interests enjoyed previously.
• Neglecting in-person connections and relationships for those online.
• Behavioural and emotional changes.

Like any addiction, social media addiction can have implications for young people’s mental health and lead to:

• Depression and anxiety – using social media excessively has been linked with anxiety and depression.  A major international study led by researchers at the University of Derby found that it can cause daytime sleepiness and depression symptoms. A study by Kelly, et al. (2019) found a greater association between using social media and symptoms of depression was higher for girls than boys.
• Low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness – an article by BBC News suggested that heavy use of social media is associated with low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness.
• Physical impacts – heavy use of social media can have physical impacts such as sleep disruption, a lack of exercise, obesity, eating disorders and other health issues. If young people scroll through social media late at night or before bed, it can have emotional effects, and exposure to blue light from screens can impact their sleep quality. A lack of sleep can have health effects and also lead to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Physical health and mental health are connected, thus neglecting one area will impact the other.
• Social impacts – excessive use of social media can have social implications and result in withdrawal, isolation and loneliness, which can significantly impact young people’s mental health.
• Increased suicide risk – according to findings by Sedgwick, et al. (2019), “current evidence suggests that excessive or ‘problematic’ use of social media/internet does impact suicide risk, specifically increasing the risk of suicide attempts”. If a young person is experiencing cyberbullying or is depressed, anxious, lonely or self-harms, it can increase the risks.

So, why can social media be addictive? Like any addiction, when young people use social media platforms, the brain releases feel-good chemicals, such as the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s reward centre and pleasure. According to the NHS, these feelings are enjoyable and create a strong urge to repeat the behaviour. Other risk factors can increase the risks of addiction, such as genetic, social, biological and physical/mental health.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

There are many definitions of body image. Young Minds defines it as:

“How we think and feel about ourselves physically, and how we believe others see us.”

Body image can be positive or negative. When someone has a positive body image, they feel comfortable with their body and accept how they look. On the other hand, when someone has a negative body image, they can feel uncomfortable with their body and want to alter their appearance.

Self-esteem is:

“How we value and perceive ourselves. It’s based on our opinions and beliefs about ourselves, which can feel difficult to change. We might also think of this as self-confidence” (Mind).

Self-esteem can be high or low. High self-esteem is where someone has confidence in themselves and their abilities and worth. When a person has low self-esteem, they do not have the confidence or belief in themselves, mainly focus on their weaknesses and constantly believe they do not measure up to others.

Social media can influence young people’s body image perceptions and self-esteem in positive or negative ways, for example:

Positives

• It can encourage body positivity. Various platforms, groups and movements promote body diversity, inclusivity and self-acceptance and challenge societal beauty standards and discrimination.
• It provides opportunities for young people to connect with people and get support from like-minded communities.
• It can improve body satisfaction if young people see others celebrating their own bodies and imperfections.

Negatives

• It can make young people consistently compare themselves with others, especially girls and young women. It can lead to them feeling dissatisfied with their own appearance, which can lead to a negative body image, lower self-esteem, depression and even body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
• It can show unrealistic beauty standards, e.g. influencers or celebrities with seemingly perfect bodies or flawless looks. It can make young people feel inadequate if they cannot conform to the same standards.
• It can lead to cyberbullying, i.e. others online sending negative comments, abusive messages and body shaming. It can be hurtful for victims and can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental health.

Unfortunately, body shaming, comparison culture, and the promotion of unattainable beauty standards are widely prevalent on social media platforms:

• An article by Oakes (2019) for the BBC recognises that social media correlates with body image concerns.
• A survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that four in ten teenagers (40%) said that social media images had caused them to worry about body image.
• According to Laughter, et al. 2023, studies suggest that regular social media use can lead to unrealistic body image standards, anxiety and significant concerns about appearance. It can also worsen body image dissatisfaction, social media addiction, and comorbidities of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), e.g. depression and eating disorders.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Cyberbullying is using digital technologies to bully people online, and it occurs on social media platforms, as well as over mobile phones, gaming platforms and messaging platforms (UNICEF). Online harassment is where a person is subjected to abusive behaviour through social media and other platforms, email and messaging.

Unfortunately, cyberbullying and online harassment are not uncommon:

• According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 847,000 children aged 10 to 15 years (19.1%) have experienced online bullying behaviour in the last year. They found that the most common online bullying behaviour was being called names, sworn at or insulted and having nasty messages about them sent to them.
• An international study and report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that there has been an increase in school-aged children experiencing cyberbullying than before the pandemic (BBC News).
• The Anti-Bullying Alliance has more data on the prevalence of online bullying here.

Cyberbullying and online harassment can significantly impact young people’s mental health and have many psychological effects, such as:

• Loneliness and social isolation because of a lack of peer acceptance and worry about further attacks and abuse.
• Sadness, hopelessness, despair, and erosion of self-esteem and self-worth due to harmful comments and messages.
• Ongoing stress, depression, and anxiety from the emotional toll of being targeted and constant fear of attacks.
• Social withdrawal, as young people worry about what others think or say about them.
• Self-harm, suicide ideation and suicidal behaviours due to the emotional and psychological pain. Unfortunately, there have been many tragic examples of young people taking their own lives because of cyberbullying.

An inquiry into the impact of cyberbullying on young people’s mental health found that children and young people with mental health problems were more than three times more likely to have experienced online bullying in a year.

Overall, being subjected to bullying and abuse online can affect young people’s physical and mental health and overall well-being and impact their academic outcomes and overall life.

The National Bullying Helpline has further information on cyberbullying here.

Strategies for Mitigating Harmful Effects

It is vital to mitigate the harmful effects of social media, and here are some practical strategies parents, educators, and young people themselves can adopt:

Parents – have an important role in helping their children understand the positives and negatives of social media and how they can use it responsibly. They can:

• Set reasonable limits on the time their children can spend on social media.
• Lead by example, i.e. limiting screen time and not scrolling through social media during family time, such as meals.
• Monitor their children’s social media accounts to ensure they are not excessively using platforms or accessing harmful content and are using them responsibly.
• Encourage digital detox, i.e. regular breaks to reduce the risk of dependency.
• Teach their children how to behave on social media and the rules on etiquette, e.g. no bullying, trolling, gossiping, etc.
• Encourage face-to-face communication and connections.
• Remind them about unrealistic images and unattainable beauty standards often promoted on social media.
• Teach their children the importance of maintaining privacy and not oversharing online.
• Discuss various online content types and that information can sometimes be harmful or misleading.
• Use password protection and online security and safety settings to prevent their children from accessing adult content.
• Balance online time with offline and real-world activities, preferably outdoors.

Educators – have an important role in helping their pupils and students navigate the complexities of social media. They can:

• Comply with their educational institution’s policies and procedures on technology and social media use.
• Discuss the positives, negatives, benefits, risks and impacts of social media.
• Encourage open communication and conversations about its use.
• Set clear rules and provide guidelines on using social media in educational settings.
• Monitor technology and social media use in the learning environment and wider educational setting.
• Model the correct behaviours in the learning environment, i.e. not constantly checking their phones.
• Educate young people on digital literacy and their responsibilities on social media.
• Involve parents/carers if they have concerns about a young person’s social media use or are aware of any issues, such as cyberbullying and online harassment.

Young people – should be responsible when using social media and be mindful of its effects and impacts. They can:

• Keep their phones/tablets out of the bedroom or out of reach at night to discourage their use before bedtime.
• Put their phones in aeroplane mode and avoid checking their phone at certain times, e.g. during meals.
• Schedule regular social media breaks, which they can add to study planners and timetables to help them adhere to these times.
• Speak to someone, whether their parents, a teacher or someone else, if they feel their use of social media is becoming excessive, if they are experiencing cyberbullying and/or they believe it is affecting their mental health.
• Pay attention to their feelings while using social media.
• Adapt their social media feed and follow positive accounts that enhance well-being.
• Practice self-care, e.g. eating healthily, exercising, getting sufficient sleep and trying relaxation techniques, such as meditation.
• Unfollow, block or mute harmful accounts.

If young people use these platforms responsibly, it can positively affect their mental health. Parents and educators should limit screen time, as too much can impact children’s and young people’s mental health, well-being, education and overall life. A recent House of Commons Committee report states that research suggests that exposure to recreational screen time on smartphones and playing video games for more than two hours daily can negatively affect children’s attention, language, processing, memory, executive function and sleep pattern.

It is important to promote social media and digital literacy, which BBC Bitesize defines as ” being able to find, sort, evaluate, manage and create information in digital forms”. It helps young people navigate social media platforms, use them ethically and responsibly and protect themselves and their personal information online. It also enables them to communicate effectively with others and critically analyse what they see. Digital literacy plays a crucial role in mental health, as it helps young people communicate, develop skills and achieve their full potential in academia, their career and life.

Open communication is also vital to encourage young people to feel comfortable and safe to talk about their online experiences and any issues they may have while using social media platforms. Parents, carers and educators should create safe, non-judgemental spaces where young people can discuss concerns or ask questions.

Encouraging Positive Online Behaviours

Adults are vital in encouraging positive online behaviours and digital citizenship (responsible, legal, safe and ethical use of technology) among youth. Some ways how they can achieve this include the following:

• Model positive online behaviour themselves, e.g. establishing boundaries, being respectful in all interactions and maintaining privacy.
• Teach them to stand up to hate and report cyberbullying, harassment and hate speech.
• Make them realise that there is an actual person at the other end and get them to consider the impacts of their words and actions on others. They should treat others how they would like to be treated.
• Approach online interactions and discussions with civility, empathy and kindness, even if they disagree with the other person.
• Equip them with the skills to recognise and avoid misinformation and scams.
• Advise them on controlling their social media content and not letting it control them. They can choose what they consume and share, so it is important to encourage them to use social media for positive things, e.g. being creative and finding informative content.
• Teach them the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities and when to recognise they need a break from platforms.
• Encourage them to unfollow celebrities, influencers and others online who promote unrealistically high beauty standards and advise them to follow positive accounts and those who celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

Empathy, kindness, and responsible online communication are vital to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for social media users. It can be challenging to be empathetic online, as you cannot see other’s facial expressions, gestures and body language, which are fundamental aspects of communication. However, keeping interactions with others positive and being mindful of words and actions can boost overall happiness, mental health and well-being. Overall, it can make the online world a nicer and safer place to be.

Conclusion

Most young people use social media regularly, which can positively or negatively impact their mental health and well-being. On the positive side, it can help them communicate and connect with their family, friends and peers, access a world of information, find support networks and enable them to be creative and express themselves. On the negative side, it can result in excessive use and even addiction, cyberbullying, access to harmful content, unhealthy comparisons and social isolation, all of which can harm their mental health.

Parents, carers and educators are crucial in being good role models, setting a good example when using technology and social media and teaching children and young people how to use these platforms responsibly and safely. Helping them develop digital and social media literacy and essential skills will help them navigate the online world safely and understand their role in contributing to a positive online environment.

The importance of understanding the impact of social media on youth mental health and taking proactive steps to mitigate potential harm cannot be understated. Many risks and dangers exist online, and awareness can keep young people safe. Adults can advise young people and help them to use these platforms positively, promoting their mental health and well-being rather than impacting them negatively.

As technology continues to develop rapidly, especially with the advancements in virtual reality and artificial intelligence, all stakeholders should be committed to ongoing research, education, and advocacy efforts to promote positive mental health outcomes for young people in the digital age.