Social media can shape young people’s mental health in different ways. A new review explores its potential benefits, risks, and impact on youth well-being.
Social media has become a major part of everyday life for young people, but its influence is far from straightforward. It is deeply woven into teenage life, but its influence cannot be easily labelled positive or negative.
WHO data show that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022, while other research highlights how online platforms can also help young people stay connected. (1)
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Social Media Can Help Young People Connect and Find Support
Social media can give young people opportunities to stay connected, build friendships, and find communities that share their interests or experiences.
For some adolescents, online spaces can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, especially when they feel isolated offline.
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Social Media: The Benefits and Risks for Young People
Social media can have both positive and negative effects on young people. Its impact often depends on what they see online, how they use these platforms, and how social media fits into their daily lives.
Social Media Positives
- Staying connected: Social media helps teenagers stay in touch with friends and family and can help them build new friendships.
- Self-expression: Posting photos, videos, or thoughts can help young people express themselves, explore their identity, and share their feelings.
- Learning and discovering: Social platforms can introduce young people to new ideas, information, communities, and health-related resources.
- Support and belonging: Online communities can provide emotional support and help teenagers feel less alone.
- Civic engagement: Social media can help young people learn about different viewpoints, support causes, and take part in discussions about issues they care about.
Social Media Negatives
- Mental health concerns: The relationship between social media and mental health is complex. Some young people may experience poorer well-being, while others may not notice negative effects.
- Cyberbullying: Online bullying, harassment, and unwanted messages can contribute to emotional distress and may affect school performance and overall well-being.
- Body image concerns: Comparing appearances with others, edited photos, and unrealistic beauty standards can negatively affect self-esteem and body image.
- Harmful content: Young people may encounter content related to violence, self-harm, substance use, or other harmful behaviors.
- Sleep problems: Staying online late at night can delay bedtime and interfere with healthy sleep.
- Digital stress: Constant notifications, pressure to respond quickly, and fear of missing out can make young people feel stressed or anxious.
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When Does Social Media Use Become a Mental Health Concern?
The risks can increase when social media use becomes difficult to control or starts affecting everyday life.
Research has linked problematic use with concerns such as anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and body-image issues, although the relationship is not always straightforward.
WHO/Europe reported that 11% of adolescents showed signs of problematic social media use in 2022, up from 7% in 2018. (1)
Why Social Media Affects Young People Differently?
There is no single experience of social media. A 2025 review found that adolescents reported both positive experiences, such as greater social connection, and negative experiences, such as difficulty controlling their use. (2)
Researchers increasingly suggest that factors such as the type of content, how platforms are used, and an individual’s existing mental health may influence the outcome.
This means simply measuring the number of hours spent online may not fully explain how social media affects adolescent mental health and well-being.
Finding a Healthier Balance With Social Media
The evidence suggests that the goal may not be to completely remove social media from young people’s lives but to encourage safe and balanced digital habits.
Parents, schools, and healthcare professionals can help young people recognize unhealthy patterns, manage online risks, and maintain strong offline relationships.
A balanced approach is particularly important because the relationship between technology use and mental health can work in both directions: mental health difficulties may influence how young people use social media, while certain online experiences may also affect wellbeing.(2)
Young people can notice how different platforms make them feel, limit use around bedtime, unfollow stressful accounts, and block or report harmful content.
Creating clear boundaries around social media can help young people enjoy its benefits while reducing potential harms.
As the saying goes, “Everything in moderation.” A balanced approach can help young people enjoy the benefits of social media while reducing its potential risks.
References:
- Teens, screens and mental health – (https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health)
- Addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being: policy brief – (https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2025-12187-51959-79685/)
Source-Medindia