Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 1

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ADOLESCENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH

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 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 2

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5

Statement of the Problem 5

Need for Systematic Review 6

Significance of the Review 7

Scholarly Significance 7

Practical significance 8

Definition of terms 7

Definition of Acronyms 8

Purpose of the Study 8

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE RVIEW 12

Introduction 12

Research Questions 20

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 22

Introduction 22

Research Studies Eligibility Criteria 21

Search Strategies 22

Study Selection Process 23

Assessment of Risk of Bias 23

Data Analysis 23

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 25

Introduction 25

Search Results 26
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 3

Study Characteristics 27

Social Media Dimensions 30

Mental Health Dimensions 30

Research Question Results 31

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 32

Introduction 32

Implications for Practice 37

Limitations 38

References 39

Tables

Table 1: Search strategy 23

Figures

Figure 1: PRISMA flowchart 26

Figure 2: Social media and mental health dimesnsions 29

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 4

Abstract

My research focuses on the growth of social media in recent years and its impact, especially on

children and adolescents. Having grown up with social media, I have witnessed its influence on

young people. My interest in this topic is rooted in my personal experiences and beliefs. Through

this research, I aim to explore subtopics such as self-expression and validation appearance

comparisons, body image issues, and exposure to bullying and harmful content.

The use of social media significantly affects mental health. These effects can either be positive

by increasing connection and sense of belonging or negative by increasing peer pressure to the

point of depression. With this knowledge, this systematic review seeks to explore these concepts

deeply. With statistics indicating that 15% of global adolescents suffer from mental health issues,

it is necessary to explore the role of social media in exacerbating or causing these issues.

Therefore, from a thorough analysis, the review hopes to uncover gaps in existing research and

guide future studies. Using different databases, the research selected valid studies and identified

the prominent themes of social media's negative and positive effects on adolescent mental health.

To this day, the relationship between social media and mental health remains controversial.

Thus, this review concentrates on recent findings to align the relationship and thus guide social

work practice.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 5

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Adolescents’ Mental Health

Chapter 1: Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Social media has gained extensive popularity in recent years. Platforms like Facebook,

Twitter, and Instagram have recently developed and redefined communication. With social

media penetration into society and increased use, adolescents form part of the largest population

who use social media, and adolescents cannot imagine a life without social media use. Social

media offers a range of platforms that adolescents can use, and this has the potential to affect

their mental well-being. Different research shows adolescents' increased use of social media.

Notably, the study indicates social media's positive and negative impact, with some arguing that

social media offers effective platforms for adolescent association and interaction. Similarly,

some articles argue that social media and adolescent interaction have adverse and consequential

effects. While the benefits of this advanced technology are numerous, it becomes essential to

explore the impact of this technology on adolescent mental health (MH).

Based on 2020 mental health statistics in the UK, 1 in every six adolescents in the UK

experienced a mental health issue in 2020, a rate which rose from 1 in every 9 in 2017 (NHS

Digital, 2020). Additionally, approximately 31% of adolescents aged 16-24 years showed

symptoms of depression and anxiety in 2017. These figures do not differ from statistics from

other parts of the globe, with (NHS Digital, 2020) stating that in the United States, 15% of

adolescents aged 12-17 years experienced major depressive episodes. Globally, almost 15% of

adolescents ages 10-19 years suffer from MH issues (Rockville (MD), 2022). Mental issues are a

cause of impaired ability, which leads to reduced quality of life among adolescents.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 6

From the statistics above, mental health issues among adolescents are preventable with

significant trends over time, and this calls for the need to address these issues. Further, it

becomes more essential to determine and explore the impact that social media, a significant tool

exposed to this age group, has on their mental health. Notably, different interactions on social

media platforms affect adolescent mental health. This impact needs addressing to determine the

extent of its effects.

Need for Systematic Review

This systematic review is of significant importance to the adolescent population. In my

understanding, adolescents form the largest population of social media users. While making this

considerable demographic, they are also in a critical development stage characterised by

cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Therefore, social media exposure can impact how these

changes happen, which can be positive or negative. Emotionally, adolescents seek validation and

acceptance from the broader society, and this is worse when social media offers platforms for

comparison with peers. Additionally, identity formation is a significant characteristic of the

adolescent stage. The experiences and exposures of this stage have substantial and long-lasting

impacts on them, and social media is a considerable exposure site, so it is vital to explore its

impact on this population. Therefore, by choosing this population, I consider their developmental

sensitivity, vulnerability, and significant use and exposure to social media and its platforms.

Additionally, the growing integration of social media in the lives of adolescents has

sparked different concerns about its effects on adolescents' mental health. Various studies have

revealed different impacts of social media on adolescent mental health. Silva et al. (2020)

research shows the overwhelming implications of social media use on adolescent mental health,

a view shared by Karim, Oyewande, and Abdalla (2020). Silva et al. (2020) state that social
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 7

media use has more detrimental psychological effects on girls than boys since these platforms

place a lot of pressure on adolescent girls on facial appearance, body dissatisfaction, and, more

importantly, issues of sexualisation. These are some of the factors that impact the mental health

of adolescent girls negatively. On the contrary, Schønning et al. (2020) state that the mental

effects of social media on adolescents are complex. In his study, he states that social media

platforms provide interaction platforms that enable adolescents to communicate on the most

disturbing issues and reduce the risks of mental issues. Draženović, Vukušić Rukavina and

Machala Poplašen (2023), on the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health, state

that depression and social media use are correlated, but there are inconsistent results, with factors

such as time spent on these platforms giving differing results.

Based on the inconsistency and the differing results that different studies have yielded on

this matter, it becomes essential to develop a systematic review that can unearth the impact of

social media on adolescent mental health more concisely. A thorough systematic review will

identify patterns, trends, and gaps that require meticulous examination, along with a review of

evidence on whether time spent on social media platforms affects mental health. The review will

investigate social media platforms and adolescent vulnerability. The review will guide future

research and the formulation of policies that need to promote adolescents' mental health in the

face of excessive social media use.

Significance of the Review

Scholarly Significance

Exploring the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health through a detailed

systematic review will have overwhelming benefits to the mental health sector at large. Different

research study findings show that social media can positively or negatively impact mental health
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 8

or have no significant correlation. A review of various literature on the matter shows

discrepancies in the results. The review will synthesise contextual factors that can influence

results on mental health impact to provide a more detailed understanding of social media use and

adolescent mental health. A thorough examination of the available literature will give scholars

and researchers a firm foundation during future research.

Practical Significance

The practical significance of conducting a systematic review on the impact of social

media use on adolescent mental health reaches out to the adolescents who are the main

stakeholders, parents, mental health professionals, and, most importantly, policymakers. This

information will be necessary for guiding adolescents against unsafe ways of interacting with

social media platforms to avoid mental frustrations through promoting awareness. Additionally,

with this information, adolescents get a clear and concise picture of what mental health issues

look like when interacting with social media platforms. On the other hand, this review is vital to

parents since they learn about the potential risks their adolescent children face with social media.

These evidence-based insights are essential in guiding parents to foster healthy behaviours in

social media interactions. Policymakers and mental health professionals will gain valuable

insights from this review, allowing them to develop responsible guidelines in social media use

and counsel and issue interventions, respectively, from the point of information.

Policies such as the Online Safety Act protect individuals and their personal information

while using the internet. The Act outlines guidelines and regulations for online platforms and

services provided (NSPCC, 2023). Therefore, by effectively examining the impact of social

media on the mental health of adolescents, this act can ensure that there are more strict rules that

ensure that the vulnerability of adolescents remains protected even with social media use.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 9

Legislative measures against cyberbullying and online harassment, which significantly influence

adolescent mental health, can be vital in developing online safety acts. Further, the policymakers

concerned with developing this act can get relevant insights into the need to provide a mentally

safe online environment that protects adolescents from adverse mental effects. Ultimately, the

practical significance of social media use lies in improving adolescent mental health and guiding

all necessary and relevant stakeholders to build a positive digital environment.

In social work practice, examining this topic is critical in guiding support and policy

advocacy efforts. Most often, social workers work with families whose adolescent children

struggle with mental health due to family dynamics. In addition to these dynamics, social media

increases the pressure and the need for upward comparison. Therefore, by examining the

overwhelming effect of social media in exacerbating these mental issues, social workers can

better identify and prevent mental health issues caused by social media exposure. The media

practice model is a guiding theory that can help social workers develop interventions for mental

health issues due to social media exposure. According to McAuslan (2020), this model suggests

that the effects of media are complex and examine how a person selects, interacts with, and

applies media. From the insights of this theory and the findings of this review, social workers

will get a more comprehensive insight into media interactions and how to mitigate their adverse

effects.

Definition of Terms

In exploring the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health, specific

important terms come up. The World Health Organisation defines adolescence as a transition

stage between childhood and adulthood between the ages of 10 and 19. Individuals in this stage

showcase rapid physical and cognitive growth. Contrary to common belief, adolescence is the
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 10

most critical stage of development, which requires parents to offer full attention to their children.

On the other hand, social media is a digital technology that offers different platforms for sharing

information and ideas through visuals or text. In this context, technological interactions, such as

social media, form the basis for digital environments.

Wren-Lewis and Alexandrova (2021) define mental health as a state of well-being where

individuals recognise their ability to work amid daily stressors. General well-being encompasses

the ability of an individual to be productive and, therefore, make meaningful contributions. A

different definition adopted to explain mental health states that it is the absence of mental

illnesses. The WHO states that to be mentally healthy, one needs to be in a positive state of mind

to thrive and flourish in their community. A different term in this context, which will be the

backbone of our paper, is a systematic review. A systematic review in research involves a

comprehensive and detailed search of existing evidence and literature to reduce bias through

identifying, appraising, and synthesising all relevant literature on a particular topic.

Definition of Acronyms

MH- mental health

WHO- World Health Organization

PRISMA- Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of social media on adolescent mental

health. In a time when adolescents rely on social media use, a technology that significantly

shapes their interactions and well-being, it becomes crucial to conduct a detailed investigation

into the effect of this interaction on their mental health. The primary goal of this study is to

scrutinise different literature that discusses the impact of mental health and, therefore, provide a
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 11

comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social media and adolescent mental

health. Through this primary goal, the review aims to explore the positive and negative effects of

social media on mental health, thus adding to Elmquist and McLaughlin (2017), O’Reilly (2020),

and Senekal et al. (2022) studies. This systematic review will examine discrepancies due to

contextual factors that lead to differing results in different studies, building upon existing

knowledge and offering a solid foundation for future research.

The practical purpose of the study is to deliver insights to stakeholders so they can

understand the dynamics in social media use and adolescent mental health. These practical

insights serve as a guiding basis for policies and strategies relating to the concept. Further, the

study will empower stakeholders, researchers, and scholars by providing them with a

comprehensive understanding of the two concepts and, therefore, a guide for research. Generally,

the purpose of this systematic review will be to positively contribute to improving adolescents'

mental health, more so in these times when digital connectivity is a daily norm.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 12

Chapter 2: Literature Review

This chapter will discuss different literature on the impact of social media on adolescent

mental health. This discussion will form a concrete basis for investigating and synthesising

evidence for discussions and conclusions on the concepts. Additionally, the chapter will

formulate research questions to answer during the systematic review.

On the longitudinal impact of social media use on UK students, Plackett, Sheringham,

and Dykxhoorn (2023) state that time spent on social media does not significantly affect mental

health. Their study, which examined the longitudinal relationship between the use of social

media and adolescent mental health, further showed that factors such as household income,

mother's marital status, and education level slightly influence MH among UK adolescents. Most

importantly, Plackett, Sheringham, and Dykxhoorn (2023) note that self-esteem is a great

mediator in determining mental health issues among UK adolescents. This study utilised data

from the UK longitudinal household survey and did an annual interview from 2009 to 2019.

Adolescents included in the study were between 10 and 15 years old, and the guardian and child

needed to give informed consent. To make relevant conclusions, Plackett, Sheringham, and

Dykxhoorn (2023) measured mental health problems using the strength and difficulties

questionnaire and social media use, which examined time spent on different platforms. Lastly,

the mediators measured self-esteem and peer connectedness.

This study did not establish a significant relationship between social media and mental

health. However, several aspects came to light. Firstly, social media use must be active or

passive. Adolescents use social media platforms for comparison in passive browsing or passive

use. This use is associated with envy, anxiety, and depression compared to active use. Plackett,

Sheringham, and Dykxhoorn (2023) note that adolescents who participate in passive browsing
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 13

are referred to broadcasters and are more likely to develop poor psychosocial outcomes. When

measuring the mediators, Plackett, Sheringham, and Dykxhoorn (2023) note that peer

connectedness does not impact mental health. On the contrary, adolescents who visited social

media to make new friends experienced reduced loneliness and better mental health. On the other

hand, social media proved to be a tool that lowers self-esteem among adolescents, contributing to

social comparison issues. Plackett, Sheringham, and Dykxhoorn (2023) study notes that

measuring times spent on social media is inadequate to determine its role in adolescent mental

health. However, this measure needs to be measured alongside the type of browsing, whether

negative or positive, to derive concise results.

Senekal et al. (2022) acknowledge that social media impacts adolescents' psychological

development. Their study states that psychological development influenced by social media can

be positive with issues such as improved self-expression, exploration, development networking,

and, most importantly, communication. Their systematic review addressed the complexity of

social media in psychological development. Senekal et al. (2022) reviewed and measured

adolescents' identity development, interpersonal relationships, mental health, and well-being.

The review showed evidence that in terms of identity development, social media can support its

development but may increase the chances of identity development anxiety, which then leads to

reduced mental well-being. This aspect is more observant through lowered self-esteem. On the

other hand, social media showed the ability to uphold existing relationships if used to enhance

communication in those relationships. Senekal et al. (2022) state that peer engagement among

adolescents in social media platforms improves well-being. On the other hand, virtual

relationships, which are characteristic of online interaction, can hinder relationships since they
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 14

foster alienation, conflict, and decreased companionship levels, which can negatively affect

adolescent mental health.

Senekal et al. (2022) measurement of mental health reveals that experiences of bullying

increase psychological distress. From a longitudinal point of view, cyberbullying leads to

increased depression. Their review notes that frequent exposure to social media potentially

makes adolescents more vulnerable to harassment. On general well-being, Senekal et al. (2022)

note that adolescents with higher exposure to social media have lower life satisfaction and

happiness levels. With social media exuberating upward social comparison, adolescents suffer

from negative peer evaluations, which affects general well-being. The review shows the

complexity of social media on adolescents' psychological development. While Plackett,

Sheringham and Dykxhoorn (2023) state that times exposed to social media use does not affect

mental well-being, this study continuously expresses how frequent exposure negatively

influences psychological development.

A different study by Pasternak and Montgomery (2023) delves into examining the crisis

of adolescent suicidality and the role of social media. This study report shows that there is a

prevalent mental health crisis among the youth, with increased suicide rates among adolescents

aged 15 to 24 years. Pasternak and Montgomery (2023) state that social media holds a position

as a contributing factor to adolescent mental health decline. The article sheds light on how social

media presents as a tool facilitating declined mental health among adolescents. Their study notes

that adolescents with parent-child contact problems suffer the most. These technologically

advanced sites have continually exposed already depressed adolescents to how-to descriptions of

suicide and how to succeed. The exposure to publicised suicide cases acts as a motivating factor
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 15

for vulnerable adolescents. Suicide by hanging, as noted by Pasternak and Montgomery (2023),

was more prevalent among boys but has recently spiked among girls.

While these are some of the adverse mental effects noted, the article further indicates that

social media platforms are also a source of comfort and support for adolescents. Pasternak and

Montgomery (2023) give examples of channels advocating suicide prevention through increasing

awareness. This is more particular to the Promly app. Social media platforms can effectively

alleviate mental health symptoms through social media therapy and psychoeducation. Pasternak

and Montgomery (2023) note that the adverse effects of adolescent mental health are adverse,

more so among adolescents suffering from parent-child contact issues. However, it is also

important to note that these digital media platforms can be a source of support for mentally

deprived adolescents.

Several studies explore the impact of time and frequent exposure to social media on

adolescent mental health. However, Politte‐Corn, Nick and Kujawa (2023) examine if age

difference influences mental health among young adults. Their study shows that social media use

increases across adolescent development and stabilises at 20 years. Transitioning to adulthood

increases curiosity for social experiences. This is most likely the reason for increased social

media use among young adolescents. Notably, Politte‐Corn, Nick and Kujawa's (2023) study

shows that positive social support is stable across all adolescents. Politte‐Corn, Nick and Kujawa

(2023) explain that social media platforms are reliable tools that support young adults in

lowering depressive symptoms. On the contrary, the study indicates that adolescents are more

susceptible to mental health-triggered issues compared to young adults.

Like the Politte‐Corn, Nick and Kujawa (2023) study, Yang, Holden and Ariati (2021)

state the role of social media as a primary feature supporting development in adolescents and
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 16

young adults. Their study notes that 95% and 96% of adolescents and young adults, respectively,

own smartphones, which makes them more exposed to social media platforms. With this

increased exposure, the study aims to determine the overarching effects of social media use on

well-being. Social media is a reliable tool for better positive effects, higher self-esteem, and

reduced loneliness, all of which improve general well-being (Yang, Holden and Ariati, 2021).

This study further connects this well-being to enhanced psychological health, reducing stress and

depressive symptoms. Additionally, the social support offered by these platforms effectively

promotes mental well-being.

On the other hand, this study explicitly explains social media's role in encouraging

deceptive self-presentation. This presentation links to increased stress levels and higher

depression levels. Through passive social media activities, adolescents and young adults

consume content that decreases well-being, especially among female adolescents (Yang, Holden

and Ariati, 2021). This form of browsing tempts adolescents to compare themselves with online

looks, which, most times, as stated by Yang, Holden and Ariati (2021), leads to reduced mental

health. Upward social comparison is standard compared to downward social comparison in

social media interactions. This is probably due to the presented positive image on these

platforms. Ultimately, the comparison is a source of lower self-esteem and poor affective well-

being. Yang, Holden and Ariati (2021) recognise both the negative and positive effects of social

media use, citing the influence of this technology on mental well-being.

A systematic review by Khalaf et al. (2023) on the impact of social media use on

adolescent and young adults' mental health shows that results from empirical research,

longitudinal and cross-sectional studies indicate that social media use is directly correlational to

mental distress, increased suicidality, and self-harm behaviours. In their research, Khalaf et al.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 17

(2023) acknowledge the essence of social interactions in alleviating stress, worry, and lack of

social interactions, potentially improving mental health. However, from different research

studies, prolonged use of social media platforms has adverse effects on mental health. These

effects manifest through increased depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress levels. This study

unveils the normalised trolling and insults that adolescents engage in on social media platforms,

which significantly affects the mental health of the victims. Based on Khalaf et al. (2023) study,

cyber victimisation is a leading cause of mental health deprivation among adolescents and young

adults. Statistics show that 14.8% of adolescents admitted to mental health institutions find social

media content, which amplifies suicide.

While this study acknowledges the statistical negative effect of social media use on

adolescent mental health, it also recognises the potential of other factors, such as cultural norms,

as facilitators of decreased mental health in the face of social media use. On the other hand,

Khalaf et al. (2023) state that digital media platforms are a reliable source of social connection.

This connection supports and builds on adolescent mental health by offering entertainment,

allowing for positive and creative formation, and supporting identity formation. Khalaf et al.

(2023) note that social media platforms shape adolescents' daily lives, and technically, an

average adolescent is not susceptible to social media harm. However, in cases of potential harm,

adolescent depression remains the most common effect.

An essential aspect of understanding how adolescents interact with social media

platforms lies in how this age group uses digital media platforms. Elmquist and McLaughlin's

(2017) study focuses on how adolescents struggling with mental issues use social media

platforms. Notably, the study identifies several social media platforms that support mental

health, such as Pinterest. Adolescents in mental crisis can indulge on these platforms to access
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 18

mental health information, which offers social support. Additionally, through these media

platforms, adolescents can connect with advocacy groups and communities that serve as outlets

for crucial mental health information. It becomes evident that digital media platforms are a

reliable source of mental health information for adolescents struggling with mental health.

On the contrary, social media platforms pose a significant danger to adolescents in mental

health crises by being an avenue for information or images that can trigger mental distress.

Elmquist and McLaughlin's (2017) study explicitly explains that through social media platforms,

adolescents struggling with mental health issues find triggers such as suicide, which increase

their chances of contemplating and attempting suicide. Adolescents struggling with mental health

can find content on social media, which can help them cope and manage mental struggles or

increase the manifestation of mental health issues. It is, therefore, necessary for these adolescents

to have proper guidance when interacting with these platforms to access and utilise information

that can alleviate mental health problems.

Understanding adolescents' perspectives on social media use is essential to gain insights

into the use of digital media platforms. Popat and Tarrant's (2022) study on adolescents'

perspectives on social media and well-being addresses this aspect. According to Popat and

Tarrant (2022), five themes stand out and form the basis for adolescent perspectives. These

themes include self-expression and validation, in which adolescents acknowledge the role of

social media in encouraging self-expression and presentation. Self-expression leads to the need

for validation based on likes and comments, an aspect that negatively affects adolescent mental

health. Popat and Tarrant (2022) state that a second theme is appearance comparison and body

ideals, which pressure adolescent girls to meet body features perceived as beauty standards.

Unmet body standards lead to reduced self-esteem and self-confidence among adolescent girls.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 19

Popat and Tarrant (2022) note that social media platforms always pressure adolescents to stay

connected. This pressure for online connection reduces offline social interaction and emotional

detachment.

Additionally, positive social engagement is a theme noted by Popat and Tarrant (2022),

which can positively influence adolescent mental health. This shows through initiatives that

promote positive psychological well-being and discussion forums that mental health

professionals moderate to assist in managing mental health issues. Lastly, Popat and Tarrant

(2022) note that exposure to bullying and harmful content are significant causes of reduced

mental health. From the study, adolescents have different perspectives on social media use and

mental health, which combine both positive and negative aspects.

As discussed by O’Reilly (2020), social media has its good, bad, and ugly sides. On the

good side, social media platforms offer avenues for relationships, the development of social

skills, and social support, all of which improve mental well-being. Through these platforms,

adolescents have reduced social isolation and have platforms that boost their communication and

interaction. Through social media, adolescents can vent out on daily stressors and, therefore,

distract themselves from possible mental breakdowns.

On the wrong side, excessive or inappropriate use of social media platforms leads to

reduced self-esteem and, most commonly among adolescents, fear of missing out (O’Reilly,

2020). The pressure from the use of social media platforms sabotages the general mental well-

being of adolescents. Additionally, the ugly side of mental health, which adolescents widely

recognise, is its potential impact on influencing mental well-being negatively (O’Reilly, 2020).

Issues of cyberbullying and victimisation, suicidal ideation, and exposure to self-harm are

examples of social media's ugly side.

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 20

While different literature has been crucial in examining the impact of social media on the

mental health of adolescents, there are evident limitations. To begin with, previous research on

the topic does not highlight if different factors, such as frequency of social media use and time

spent, determine mental health impacts. Additionally, there is no evidence of how stakeholders

can mitigate the effect or reduce the impact of social media on mental outcomes. This leaves a

significant research gap in understanding adolescent mental health and media use. Other than

these, research points out a positive effect on mental health and a negative effect but does not

reconcile the two or indicate where negative impact overcomes positive impacts, thus presenting

significant limitations to the literature.

The effects of social media on adolescent mental health are complex and are, in most

cases, influenced by external factors. Different research shows that these factors have the

capability of shaping how adolescents survive through mental health when utilising social media.

Research Questions

The research questions that will guide this study include the following:

Central Question:

1. Does social media use impact adolescent mental health?

Sub-questions:

2. Does frequency and time spent on social media influence the impacts of digital media

use on adolescent mental health?

3. How does the nature of social media interactions influence mental health in social

media use?

4. How do gender and age differences relate to social media use and mental health

impact?4
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 21

5. Do different social media platforms have different mental health effects on

adolescents?
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 22

Chapter 3: Methodology

This chapter will discuss the study design, explain data collection processes, and the

research framework utilised to answer the research questions. A clear and concise methodology

is essential for guiding replicability for future research and offering valid and reliable results.

The review utilised the PRISMA model to improve the transparency of the systematic review.

The review question guiding this systematic review is “What are the impacts of social media use

on adolescent mental health?” the objective was to analyse if different factors influence mental

health with more attention to time spent on social media and frequency of use.

Research Studies Eligibility Criteria

The population, exposure, and outcome guided the eligibility of different articles for

review. The population was adolescents, the outcome was mental health, and the exposure was

social media use. Most importantly, the articles for this review need to address adolescents

between the ages of 10 and 19. The studies utilised in this systematic review required to meet

specific criteria for eligibility in the review.

1. The participants or population discussed in every article and study must be

adolescents or young adults as defined by the WHO.

2. Provide insight on social media use and highlight at least one aspect.

3. Address mental health or psychological development based on social media.

4. Be published no earlier than 2020, except one study by Elmquist and McLaughlin

(2017).

Articles excluded from the review for either of the following reasons.

1. Did not report empirical research

2. Had no English-translated version.

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 23

3. Studied a population of individuals above 24 years old.

4. Was not peer-reviewed.

Search Strategies

A thorough search protocol found relevant studies for the review that met the inclusion

requirements. The review utilised PubMed, JSTOR, and PsychINFO databases to get the relevant

studies. To narrow down the search, specific terms used in this search include “adolescents,”

“mental health,” social media,” and “psychological development,” which were used in

combination as follows to retrieve relevant articles and studies. “Adolescents and Mental

Health,” Psychological Development in Adolescents” Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental

Health,” “Digital Media and Young Adults’ Mental Development,” “Mental Well-being and

Social Media Use,” and “Effects of Social Media Use.” These search terms allowed for more

specified articles addressing the impact of social media use on adolescent mental health.

Table 1. Search Strategy

PEO Search terms

Population Adolescents or young adults

Exposure Social media or digital media

Outcomes Mental health or psychological

Study Selection Process

The selection process utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and

Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model for transparent and methodological reporting. Three

independent reviewers conducted a screening based on the title and based on a full-text review to

determine article eligibility. Google Sheets helped in recording decisions and article motivations.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 24

Assessment of Risk of Bias

The systematic review assessed the risk of bias using the ROBIS tools. This tool

evaluates the level of bias in three phases (Perry et al., 2021). First is the optional phase, which

assesses whether the review applies to the research question. The second phase utilises 20 items

within study eligibility, identification and selection, data collection, and study synthesis and

findings. This phase effectively gives judgment of concerns arising in each of the domains. The

last phase consists of three questions, allowing for a general assessment through rating. Using the

ROBIS tool to assess bias in this systematic review allowed the review to be effective and

accurate.

Data Analysis

A meta-analysis and meta-synthesis did not suit the literature analysis due to the diverse

nature of the studies used. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review synthesised,

summarised, and interpreted the findings of the different literature used. Since the analysis used

published data, no ethical approval was necessary for this systematic review.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 25

Chapter 4: Results

This chapter will summarise the study retrieval, screening, and identification process to

show the studies and articles based on the inclusion criteria. Further, the chapter will show the

dimensions of social media use and those of mental health and psychological development.

Search Results

The PRISMA flowchart, as shown in figure1, recorded the screening process of this

systematic review. From the initial search, the review found 337 articles. After screening the

titles, abstracts, and full texts, the review excluded 99 duplicated articles and 101 articles for

different reasons, giving a remainder of 137. Thorough quality analysis further excluded 57

articles, leaving them with 80 articles. The review further investigated the inclusion and

exclusion criteria, and by the end of the search, nine articles met the eligibility criteria and

formed the systematic review.

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 26

Figure 1: PRISMA Flowchart

Identification
Records removed:
Duplicate records
Records identified:
removed (n = 99)
(n = 337)
Records removed for
other reasons (n=101)

Records Screening
screened: Records excluded:
(n = 137) (n = 57)

Reports sought for retrieval Reports not retrieved:

(n = 80) (n = 0)

Reports assessed for

eligibility Reports excluded:
(n = 80) (n = 71)

Included
Studies and reports
included in the review
(n = 9)

Study Characteristics

The studies and articles used were diverse and presented different characteristics.

Longitudinal studies (n=1), crossectional studies (n=1), qualitative analysis (n=1), systematic

reviews (n=2), literature review (n=1), and special features (n=3) characterised the studies and

articles used. 2 studies were particular to examine adolescent mental health in the United

Kingdom.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 27

Social Media Dimensions

The different evidence utilised addressed the social media dimensions, including social

media use. This dimension mainly addresses the active and passive aspects of social media

browsing. Additionally, cyberbullying and cyber victimisation emerged as themes in social

media use. The articles further recognise time and frequency on social media platforms as

dimensions that require constant attention. Most importantly, some articles shed light on social

media as a learning platform and a communication channel for most adolescents.

Mental Health Dimensions

The most outstanding dimensions based on these articles included identity development,

mental well-being, self-esteem, perceived support, and social comparison. In identity

development, the studies Shed light on the effect of social media in influencing identity

processes and the devilment of self-concept (Senekal et al., 2022). This diagnosis links to self-

esteem, in which Popat and Tarrant (2022) indicate that lower self-esteem leads to reduced

mental health. Notably, victims of cyberbullying suffer from the lowest self-esteem, as indicated

(O’Reilly, 2020). Senekal et al. (2022) state that cyberbullying, more so among girls, results in a

perceived negative body image, which can turn into depression.

Closely tied to these two themes is social comparison. Social media platforms such as

Instagram are an avenue for upward social comparison, which is more prevalent than downward

social comparison (Plackett, Sheringham and Dykxhoorn, 2023). The presentation of best selves,

which is very common on social media platforms, is a course of negative self-evaluation among

adolescents. Body image concerns are the most prevalent cause of depression among female

adolescents. With these negative themes emerging in social media, the studies indicate increased

levels of suicidality among mentally ill adolescents. Evidence from the studies shows that social
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 28

media platforms propel depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, reduced self-esteem, and lower life

satisfaction levels.

On the positive side, social connectedness through support and communication emerges

as a theme in social media. Studies show that these digital media platforms offer social support

and, in some cases, boosted and maintained relationships (Pasternak and Montgomery, 2023).

Figure 2: Social Media and Mental Health Dimensions

Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 29
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 30

Research Question Results

The results of this review efficiently answer the research questions highlighted. The study

by Popat and Tarrant (2022) effectively shows that social media impacts adolescent mental

health. As depicted by adolescent perspectives, this can be positive or negative. This finding is

similar to the study by Khalaf et al. (2023), which emphasises adolescents' overdependence on

social media use. The second research question guiding this systematic review is the impact of

time spent on social media and the frequency of interactions on social media and social media

interactions. Plackett, Sheringham and Dykxhoorn's (2023) study effectively responds to this

question, stating that there is barely substantial evidence to link time spent on social media and

adolescent mental health. On the other hand, Yang, Holden and Ariati (2021) insist on the need

for time in social media use amid pre-existing factors.

According to Plackett, Sheringham and Dykxhoorn (2023), the nature of social media use

can be passive or active. Active social media use does not negatively affect adolescents' mental

health like passive browsing. This is because passive browsing is associated with social

comparison other than engagement and interaction, a characteristic of active social media use. A

notable response to the research question on the differences in mental health impact based on age

and gender reveals that younger adolescents are more vulnerable to suffering from mental issues

compared to young adults (Politte‐Corn, Nick and Kujawa, 2023). Furthermore, evidence shows

that female adolescents have higher chances of developing mental health issues when using

social media platforms, as stated by O’Reilly (2020) and Senekal et al. (2022). Additionally,

study articles show that different platforms can have differing impacts on adolescent mental

health. Platforms such as Facebook can positively impact mental health through channels that

offer psychoeducation. Similarly, mental health practitioners utilise these platforms to create
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 31

awareness and, thus, a positive impact. On the contrary, different social media platforms are well

known for presenting “best selves” and, therefore, impact adolescent mental health negatively.
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 32

Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusion

This review aims to explore the impacts of social media use on adolescent mental health.

This exploration aimed to uncover the influence of different factors on mental health, such as

time spent on social media use and interaction frequency. Through the exploration, the review

provides important and relevant insights to stakeholders such as adolescents. Parents, educators,

mental health practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and scholars on the different dimensions

of social media use and adolescent mental health. These insights will guide future research and

offer a solid and firm background for future research on these concepts.

To start with, existing research shows that there exists a complex relationship between

social media use and adolescent mental health. This is due to the numerous risks and benefits of

adolescents and young adults using social media. Time spent on social media increases the risk

of developing mental health issues. Adolescents who spend significant time on social media

platforms have increased chances of reduced happiness levels. This is because, with excessive

use, adolescents tend to depend on it for mood regulation, which has adverse outcomes on

mental health with increased chances of depressive symptoms. However, it becomes evident that

time alone cannot influence social media use. How adolescents use these digital media platforms

during interaction time is essential. This is in the concept of active browsing and harmful

browsing. More time spent on passive media browsing ultimately leads to social comparison,

envy, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, active browsing involves engagement and

development of connections, which consequently offer social support.

Additionally, the frequency of social media use emerges as a factor that needs

consideration while dealing with social media use. The research indicates frequent engagement

with social media platforms breeds loneliness and unconscious social disengagement. The effects
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 33

of social media on adolescent mental health cannot be tied to one factor but rather are dependent

on the interconnectedness of different factors, all of which work together to influence.

Adolescents must consider the optimal use of social media platforms by ensuring that time spent,

browsing type, and interaction frequency all offer optimal results. With this information,

policymakers should formulate policies that consider all these interconnecting factors. Similarly,

parents, educators, and mental health practitioners should be aware to ensure adolescents reap

the benefits of social media.

Several pieces of evidence for this review indicate that social media use breeds identity

crisis. Adolescents are typically in a very rapid growing stage, and trying to understand oneself

in the face of different platforms that display numerous versions of “best self” can be confusing

and detrimental to identity development. These platforms support comprehensive and extensive

identity exploration. With poor guidance, adolescents are most likely to develop issues of low

self-esteem, development anxiety, and wrong self-concepts. It is essential that during this vital

stage of development, adolescents be extremely self-satisfied and aware that body image, as

depicted by social media platforms, is not necessary in identity development. On the other hand,

adolescents must have guidance on the developmental benefits of using social media

appropriately to develop skills that can enhance social networks. Most importantly, adolescents

need guidance in self-disclosure through online interaction. Self-disclosure is vital in adolescent

development, which is a development benefit of social media use that adolescents can utilise.

This review cannot overlook the opportunities for adolescent mental health promotion

using social media. In developmental psychology, strong peer relationships, support networks,

and social skills are critical in supporting positive mental health and psychological well-being

development. Social media platforms are reliable tools for reducing isolation and improving
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 34

social skills. Friendship is a common characteristic of adolescent life. Through social media,

young adults who are already struggling with mental health issues can use digital media

platforms to manage these conditions. With mental health issues, cases of isolation, loneliness,

and suicidal ideation are common. However, social support offered by social media use

effectively allows interaction to reduce the risk of the effects of social media use on vulnerable

adolescents. With this in mind, mental health practitioners and parents can give adolescents

already struggling with mental ha issues the to use these platforms to enhance communication

and connectivity to gain more positive outcomes.

Active participation in activities that reduce stress levels can allow adolescents with

mental issues to manage challenging aspects of life better and, hence, be more productive. Given

the different factors that can facilitate mental health issues, such as exam pressure and parental

interference, social media platforms are effective in reducing these stress levels and distracting

adolescents from adverse outcomes. With these problems and numerous benefits of social media

use, it is arguable that reaping these benefits can be complex and challenging. This is because of

the ugly side of social media use. Adolescents consider social media platforms as dangerous due

to the common cases of bullying and trolling. It is a surety that adolescents seeking to benefit

from social media use will reap its benefits without hurdles. On the contrary, every adolescent's

social media platform for engagement or interaction stands an equal chance of being at risk of

negative and positive exposure.

This high risk of harmful exposure presents a danger to adolescents who are already

battling with mental health issues since the negated exposure can very quickly turn to

internalised danger, manifesting as self-harm and suicidal ideation. Knowing this, it becomes the

role of parents and mental health rationale to guide adolescents on building resilience in the face
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 35

of harmful exposure to social media platforms. It is imperative that social media platforms can be

a reliable tool for promoting mental health as we are declining it. Therefore, it becomes the role

of relevant supportive stakeholders to adequately guide adolescents on avoiding adverse

outcomes and working around harmful exposure.

A summation of how social media use can impact adolescent mental health is through its

use, the essence of interactive activities, and the motive for use. First, passive and active

broadcasting define how adolescents use social media platforms. Active broadcasting refers to

actively sharing textual or visual content on social media. Active participation in social media

platforms leads to higher self-satisfaction and self-esteem. However, the relationship between

active broadcasting and mental health well-being is weak. This is because active broadcasting

mainly allows for the least amount of self-presentation. Through self-presentation, identity

development is actively motivated. However, active broadcasting reduces communication and

social skills due to the time invested in participation. Adolescents who actively broadcast do so

to be socially desirable, leading to the second social media interaction method: passive

broadcasting.

With passive broadcasting, adolescents tend to browse and consume content rather than

create it. Adolescents who passively interact with social media platforms do so for social

comparison. With this information, it becomes evident that excessive social media use is

associated with lower self-esteem, heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, and, most

importantly, poor mental health and well-being. Apperance-related social media consciousness

leads to real-life pressures of being the best selves seen on digital media platforms. However,

depending on the content browsed, passive browsing can be harmless if it does not encourage
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 36

social comparison. Adolescents can also direct their passive browsing to learn from others other

than a judge, ultimately leading to positive outcomes.

One major contributor to reduced mental health with social media interaction is the

motive for interaction. It is crucial to understand why different adolescents use social media

platforms as they do. What do these adolescents want to gain from interacting with these

platforms? The motives of social media interactions are primarily seeking information,

experiencing positive outcomes, gaining recognition, building relations, or expressing

themselves. While these are common, these motives vary depending on the particular platform.

Undoubtedly, the motive for interaction has a significant role in affecting psychological well-

being. One motive that has gained attention among adolescents is the fear of missing out.

Adolescents feel the need to be consistently aware of different aspects, and while this can be

positive, its obsession leads to poor mental well-being.

This systematic review offers an extensive and comprehensive insight into the complex

relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health and well-being. There are

numerous positive and equally adverse effects of adolescent social media use on their mental

health. This review notes that the impacts of digital media interaction on adolescent mental

health depend on factors such as time, frequency, underlying mental health condition, the use of

these platforms, and the motives for use. It is evident that none of these factors influences mental

health on their own, but in most cases, the integration of these factors is the cause of mental

health issues. From this systematic review, policymakers must formulate policies that consider

all these factors. On the other hand, parents and mental health practitioners understand this

complexity and can offer guidance while being informed. Scholars and researchers can use this
 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 37

review as a background for future research to offer more advanced solutions and information on

the subject.

Implications for Practice

The adverse mental health impacts of social media use require addressing to allow

adolescents to develop from their positive exposures psychologically. Evidently, parents and

mental health practitioners can formulate strategies to help guide adolescents on practices to

employ during social media use to escape its atrocities. Additionally, with the complex nature of

the impacts of social media use, it becomes mandatory for policymakers to devise ways through

which adolescents can utilise digital media platforms without suffering from harmful exposure.

These policies can go beyond to govern and strategise on how to mitigate cyberbullying, cyber

victimisation and sexualisation. Most importantly, education interventions have always been

fruitful in reducing the negative impacts and implementing education interventions can serve to

propagate positive mental health outcomes among adolescents.

Additionally, social work practitioners who have a significant role in helping individuals

overcome social challenges and mental health issues will gain insight into the best therapy to

offer adolescents struggling with mental health issues. Additionally, the information revealed in

this review on the themes of mental health and social media use can allow social work

practitioners to develop targeted interventions that address the particular effects of social media

use, such as cyber bullying, upward comparison, and body image concerns, while leveraging on

its positive effects such as support, comfort, and social interaction. Most importantly, policy

advocacy is a role played by the social work practice. With adequate information on the effects

of media use, these professionals can advocate for safer digital environments and thus

collaborate with relevant policymakers to develop effective policies.

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 38

Limitations

It goes without a doubt that different individuals across all age groups utilise social media

platforms. This means that it is not only adolescents and young adults who use these platforms;

with this in mind, one limitation of this systematic review is that it focuses only on adolescents

and young adults, making its results ungeneralisable to other age groups. Secondly, despite the

studies in this review offering unmatched insights, they are still very few. Future research on this

concept needs to look into more studies and more qualitative and quantitative studies while

intentionally disclosing information from a longitudinal and cross-sectional point of view.

Additionally, this systematic review based on search terms can lead to excluding other relevant

articles and studies that do not utilise these terms.

 Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health 39

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