These teens are going through adolescence without social media

Between 2010 and 2015, depressive symptoms, suicide concerns, and suicide rates increased among U.S. adolescents, particularly girls, according to national data. Many studies have shown that these symptoms are linked to social media use.

A 2017 study that analyzed this data found that teens who spend more time on social media are at increased risk of depressive and suicidal symptoms. Similarly, in a 2022 report, about half of teens said social media made them sad, depressed, lonely, or isolated sometimes, often, or always. A 2018 literature review of nine related studies found that spending more time on social media is linked to increased exposure and participation in self-harm behaviors, as well as higher levels psychological distress and suicidal thoughts among depressed adolescents.

In contrast, young people engaged in in-person social activities (such as sports, homework, reading and attending religious services) were less likely to report such problems, according to the 2017 study.

Health information on social media is often inaccurate, even though young people often turn to these platforms to self-diagnose.

More and more young people are self-diagnosing serious mental health issues based on social media content alone. The phenomenon, known as self-diagnosis, can be misleading at best and dangerous to young people's mental health at worst, experts say, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation online. For example, a recent study of ADHD videos on TikTok found that more than half were medically “misleading.” Additionally, as experts point out, self-diagnosis can delay meeting with a licensed mental health professional and getting appropriate care.

Social media can create connection and empowerment, especially for marginalized youth.

Despite its well-documented shortcomings, social media can also improve youth mental health in some cases, particularly among marginalized youth.

For example, LGBTQIA+ youth negotiated and explored their identities and gained support from peers on social media, data showed. Additionally, about half of young people surveyed in one study, particularly those who are Black and Latino, used social media to make their voices heard in civic engagement settings. More generally, social media can be a source of mental health support, reinforcing depressed moods in certain contexts, a study suggests.

How to Cultivate Healthy Social Media Use in Teens

It is primarily the responsibility of leaders and lawmakers to ensure that social media platforms are safe for teens. Below are some other steps that can be taken individually to promote healthy social media use among teens.

Use social media to promote connection

As mentioned, social media can be a source of emotional support and solidarity, including for young people with mental health issues, data shows. However, in order to promote these positive effects of social media, it is important to encourage young people to adopt positive practices on social networks, such as following empowering people and accounts and unfollowing those who promote practices or opinions harmful.

Set Social Media Boundaries

Establish clear rules and boundaries around screen time and social media use, such as setting daily time limits and reducing screen time in bed. Also encourage social media breaks and promote offline activities. Discussing these (and other) healthy behaviors online can reinforce positive actions in real life.

Know When to Get Help

If you or a young person you know is experiencing mental health issues or experiencing significant challenges related to social media use, consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional.

This shopwas produced by Charlie Health and edited and distributed by Stacker Media.