As someone who has seen firsthand how deeply social media permeates the lives of today’s youth, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about its impact on mental health. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer entertainment and connection, they also pose serious psychological risks—especially for adolescents and young adults.
A recent article from the Stanford Law School (2024) highlights a growing body of research linking excessive social media use to a range of mental health issues among young users—including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality. The article points to studies showing how the constant exposure to idealized images and highlight reels can distort self-perception and fuel feelings of inadequacy (Stanford Law, 2024).
This is something many parents and educators observe every day. We’ve all heard teenagers say they feel “not good enough” after scrolling through their feeds. What’s more troubling is how compulsive this behavior becomes. Notifications, likes, and algorithmically-curated content activate the same dopamine pathways as addictive substances, reinforcing a cycle that’s hard to break.
As the Stanford piece notes, mental health professionals are increasingly wary of the long-term effects. There’s concern not just about emotional distress, but about attention span, cognitive development, and even social functioning. Some youth report preferring digital interactions over real-life communication, a trend that could have serious implications for their interpersonal skills and relationships later in life.
From my perspective, one of the biggest issues is the lack of regulation. While some legislative efforts are underway—such as bills proposing stricter age verification and limits on data collection—they’re still in the early stages. Tech companies continue to profit from the very mechanisms that keep young users glued to their screens.
This isn’t to say social media is inherently evil. There are powerful ways it can be used for connection, activism, creativity, and education. But without digital literacy programs, healthy boundaries, and structural safeguards, we risk allowing a generation to grow up emotionally stunted by their screens.
As adults—whether we’re parents, teachers, policy-makers, or simply concerned citizens—it’s our responsibility to stay informed and push for change. Conversations about mental health and social media shouldn’t be optional—they should be central to how we prepare the next generation for the world ahead.
References:
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Stanford Law School. (2024, May 20). Social Media Addiction and Mental Health: The Growing Concern for Youth Well-Being. Retrieved from https://law.stanford.edu/2024/05/20/social-media-addiction-and-mental-health-the-growing-concern-for-youth-well-being
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Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement. Atria Books.
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Andreassen, C. S., & Pallesen, S. (2014). Social network site addiction – An overview. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 20(25), 4053–4061.
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American Psychological Association. (2023). Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/05/social-media-mental-health