How does social media affect teenagers?

Social media provides a space for young people to connect, express themselves and share everyday moments. However, behind the likes and statuses lies the silent pressure of comparison, psychological stress and sometimes out-of-control expectations.

Recent surveys in the US show that social media is harmful to teenagers, significantly affecting their mood, sleep, and ability to concentrate on a daily basis. In addition, the influence of social media on the mental health of teenagers is increasingly evident, both positively and negatively.

Despite changes in perception, time spent on social media remains high

In the US, most teens use social media every day, from checking the news, chatting with friends to killing time by mindlessly scrolling. But what’s remarkable is that more and more teens are realizing they’re spending too much time on these platforms.

According to a 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center (USA), 45% of teenagers admitted to using social media more than they would like, a significant increase from 27% in 2023.

Social media is now an integral part of everyday life, especially during breaks between classes or at night. However, while usage remains high, some teens are starting to change their habits.

Specifically, 44% said they have reduced their social media usage, and a similar percentage are trying to limit their smartphone usage. Compared to 2023, the corresponding rates were 39% and 36%, which is a positive sign.

Notably, girls were more likely to adjust their behavior, with 48% saying they were withdrawing from social media, compared to 40% of boys.

This change partly reflects the growing awareness among young people of the negative effects of social media such as disturbed mood, reduced ability to concentrate and interrupted sleep.

At the age when personal identity is forming, many children begin to think seriously about “social media addiction”, a state that is not easy to escape in the digital age.

How does social media affect the mental health of teenagers?

While most teens acknowledge that social media has a negative impact on their mental health, interestingly, many believe that the impact is on others, not themselves.

According to the latest data, 48% of American teens believe that social media is primarily harmful to their peers, a significant increase from 32% in 2022. This figure shows that awareness of the psychological risks posed by social media is growing rapidly.

However, when asked about the direct impact on themselves, only 14% of young people described their experiences on social media as “mostly negative”. The majority said that these platforms did not bring obvious benefits, but also did not cause serious harm to their lives.

The gap between personal perceptions and social observations suggests that many teens may be underestimating the subtle effects social media has on them, from their mood and self-esteem to how they view the world around them.

Why can social networks be harmful to teenagers?

Even if teens themselves don't feel the effects of social media, the numbers show signs of stress, especially among some more vulnerable groups.

About 31% of American teens said they felt pressured to post content to get likes or attention. This feeling was especially strong among girls (36%) compared to boys (26%).

Sleep is also severely affected, with 45% of teens admitting that using social media at night prevents them from sleeping well.

These numbers paint a subtle but worrying picture that the impact of social media isn’t always in the form of obvious shocks or major crises. Sometimes it’s the insidious effects of constant comparison, anxiety about being left behind, or chronic sleep deprivation that are slowly chipping away at young people’s mental health.

So how does social media affect teens? The answer depends on how they use it and how they feel about it. For some, it’s a place to connect with friends, express themselves, and find support during difficult times.

But for others, social media is a source of stress and sleeplessness. While social media use is an essential part of everyday life, more and more teens are starting to take a more serious look at its impact, and are taking proactive steps to protect their mental health./.