How Social Media has Negatively Affected Teenage Mental Health

Written by Joann Lee on Monday, 29 April 2024. Posted in Business Education

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Why? Corrupt administration of social media. In today’s world, Social Networking Sites (SNS) like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are available to any teenager. Although these sites are revolutionizing the socioeconomics of the world, at what cost is it at? 

Social Media and Teenagers: Background: The first social media platform was known as Six Degrees, established in 1997, with the intent for users to make friends with other users digitally, and it had a count of 3,500,000 users.  Today, there are a total of 15 social media sites with at least 400 million users. This skyrocket of growth is due to teenage engagement. Ninety percent of teens ages 13-17 have used social media. Seventy five percent report having at least one active social media profile, and 51% report visiting a social media site at least daily - according to surveys done by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 

Harms of Social Media on Teenagers: In recent years, mounting evidence has shed light on the adverse effects of social media on adolescents. According to a study examining American teens aged 12-15, those who spent more than three hours per day on social media were found to be twice as likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, research suggests that certain demographics, particularly adolescent girls and those already struggling with mental health issues, may be at a heightened risk of harm from social media use. Specific health concerns linked to excessive social media use include cyberbullying-induced depression, body image issues leading to disordered eating behaviors, and diminished sleep quality.

What We Can Do: The issue of negative mental health due to SNS is an intricate issue, and calls for involvement from multiple parties. First, the adolescent must feel comfortable and reach out for help. Youth - based organizations like Youth Engaged Change have uploaded a Tip Sheet on Social Media Use and Mental Health. Next, parents/ guardians can create a family media plan to help establish healthy digital boundaries. The American Academy of Pediatrics goes more in depth on a media plan for people to look at. Next, technology companies should conduct periodic assessments of the ethics of their social networking sites, and work to conform towards the users mental health. Last, but definitely not least, policymakers must bring recognition towards the issue in order to strengthen protections, and garner attention towards the issue.

About the Author

Joann Lee

Joann Lee

Joann is a Business Education Writer at Girls For Business.

Leave a comment

Please login to leave a comment.

© 2025 Girls For Business. All Rights Reserved.