TITLE: THE IMPACT OF
SOCIAL MEDIA ON TEEN
MENTAL HEALTH
CASE STUDY
I. INTRODUCTION
Social media has become deeply integrated into the lives of today's
generation, impacting communication, information access, and
even mental health, with both positive and negative consequences.
The rapid rise of social media over the past decade has transformed
the way individuals interact, communicate, and share information.
Teenagers, especially, have emerged as the most engaged group on
platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter,
utilizing these platforms to interact with friends, express
themselves, and stay updated. However, while social media offers
numerous benefits, it has raised significant concerns regarding its
impact on teen mental health. According to Newportacademy.com
(2024), the impact of social media on youth can be significantly
detrimental to mental health.
Social media use exposes teens to
cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, body image
issues, and tech addiction and results in less
time spent doing healthy, real-world activities.
Moreover, the addictive qualities of social media
can prime the brain for addiction to substances.
This study aims to explore the complex
relationship between social media use and
teens' mental health, examining its negative
impacts by reviewing current research, expert
insights, and real-life examples. The study aims
to shed light on how social media influences the
mental well-being of teenagers and offer
strategies and recommendations for addressing
II. CASE BACKGROUND
The link between social media and mental health issues has
been well documented in numerous studies and research
papers. A systematic review found that the use of social
networking sites is associated with an increased risk of
depression, anxiety, and psychological distress (Keles, et al.,
2020). The associations, though not by itself proof of
causation, at least some reason for concern. Additionally, this
association is particularly strong in adolescents compared to
younger children (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Moreover, in the
United States, the 12-month prevalence of major depressive
episodes among adolescents increased from 8.7% in 2005 to
11.3% in 2014 (Mojtabai, et al., 2016). The new media screen
activities have been suggested as one of the causes of the
increase in adolescent depression and suicide (Twenge, et al.,
III. PROBLEM OR CHALLENGE
Over the last decade, increasing evidence has identified the potential negative
impact of social media on adolescents. According to a research study of American
teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced
twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression
and anxiety symptoms. The advisory states that other studies "point to a higher
relative concern of harm in adolescent girls and those already experiencing poor
mental health, as well as for particular health outcomes, such as cyberbullying-
related depression, body image and disordered eating behaviors, and poor sleep
quality linked to social media use." “What’s more, the social media algorithms are
built to promote whatever you seem interested in,” says Dr. Mayes. “If a teen
searches for any kind of mental health condition, such as depression or suicide,
it's going to feed them information about those things, so soon they may begin to
think that everyone around them is depressed or thinking about suicide, which is
not necessarily good for mental health.”
IV. POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Research suggests that setting limits and boundaries
around social media, combined with discussion and
coaching from adults, is the best way to promote
positive outcomes for youth (Wachs, S., et al.,
Computers & Education, Vol. 160, No. 1, 2021). Parents
should talk to kids often about social media and
technology and also use strategies like limiting the
amount of time kids can use devices and removing
devices from the bedroom at night. Caregivers should
also keep an eye out for problematic behaviors, such as
strong cravings to use social media, an inability to stop,
and lying or sneaking around in order to use devices
when they aren’t allowed.
V. CHOSEN SOLUTION AND
IMPLEMENTATION
Given the potential risks, it's crucial for parents to take an active role in managing their
teen's social media use. Here are some effective strategies: 1. Establish Clear
Boundaries and Limits. Set designated times for social media use and enforce device-
free periods, especially before bedtime. Consistency is key in establishing these
boundaries. For example: Implement a "no phones at the dinner table" rule to encourage
family interaction. Establish a "digital curfew" where all devices are turned off an hour
before bedtime. 2. Encourage Positive Content and Interactions. Help your teen curate
their social media feeds to include more positive and inspiring content. This might
involve of following accounts that promote mental health awareness or share uplifting
messages, unfollowing or muting accounts that consistently make them feel negative or
inadequate. 3. Prioritize Face-to-Face Interactions. Encourage your teen to engage in
offline activities and in-person socializing. This can include of participating in sports or
other extracurricular activities or planning regular outings with friends or family
members.
4. Model Healthy Social Media Use. As a parent, it's important to
demonstrate responsible social media habits. This means you will
be Setting your own boundaries for device use or being mindful of
your social media consumption and its impact on your mood and
behavior. 5. Open Communication. Maintain an open dialogue
with your teen about their social media experiences. This
includes discussing potential risks and benefits of social media
use and creating a safe space for them to share concerns or
negative experiences they encounter online. 6. Educate on Digital
Literacy. Help your teen develop critical thinking skills to
navigate the digital world. This involves teaching them to
recognize fake news and misinformation and discussing the
concept of curated online personas versus reality.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns in your
teen, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can
provide targeted support and strategies for both you and your teen.
While social media has become an integral part of modern teenage life, it's crucial
to recognize its potential impact on mental health. By implementing these
strategies and maintaining open communication, parents can help their teens
develop a healthier relationship with social media. Remember, the goal isn't to
completely eliminate social media use but, rather, to foster a balanced approach
that prioritizes mental well-being and real-world connections.
As we navigate this digital age, it's important to stay informed about the latest
research and recommendations regarding teen social media use. By working
together, parents, educators, and health professionals can create a supportive
environment that allows teenagers to enjoy the benefits of social media while
minimizing its potential risks to mental health. (Center for Family Services. (2023,
July 19). Social media and youth mental health.)
VI. RESULTS AND OUTCOMES
1. The result of the study greatly helped and
improved teenagers’ mental health condition and
allowing them to use social media in a healthier
way. Several studies have explored interventions to
assist teenagers dealing with mental health issues
exacerbated by social media use. Here are some
notable examples:
Parental Monitoring and Guidance: Research
indicates that parental control methods, such as
monitoring screen time and discussing online
activities, can reduce the negative impacts of social
media on adolescents' mental health. For instance,
a study found that less parental control over
children's social media usage time was associated
with higher frequency of appearance comparisons
2. Emotional Intelligence Development: Enhancing emotional
intelligence has been identified as a protective factor against the
adverse effects of social media. A study from Finland highlighted
that high emotional intelligence, along with family support, can
reduce the frequency of exposure to harmful content on social media,
thereby mitigating risks of depression and anxiety among
adolescents. PMC
3. School-Based Mental Health Programs: Educational institutions
play a crucial role in addressing mental health issues related to
social media. Implementing programs that promote digital literacy,
resilience, and open communication can help students navigate
online environments safely. Such initiatives aim to equip students
with skills to critically assess online content and seek appropriate
support when needed.
These studies underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach,
involving parental involvement, emotional intelligence training, and
VII. Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion:
This case study illustrates the complex relationship between
social media and the mental health of teenagers. While social
media offers valuable opportunities for connection, self-
expression, and support, it also poses significant risks related
to self-esteem, social comparison, and mental health issues
like anxiety and depression.
Recommendations:
1. For Teenagers:
Be mindful of the time spent on social media and the
emotional effects it may cause.
Practice positive digital hygiene, such as unfollowing content
that fosters negative comparisons or anxiety.
Reach out for help when feeling overwhelmed by social media
pressures.
2. For Parents and Educators:
Monitor social media usage, encourage open communication about its
emotional effects, and promote healthy online habits.
Provide tools to help teenagers engage with social media in a balanced
and mindful way.
3. For Social Media Platforms:
Continue improving content moderation to reduce harmful content (e.g.,
cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards).
Offer more in-app tools to help users track their mental health and engage
with content that fosters well-being.
In summary, while social media is a powerful tool in modern society, its
impact on the mental health of teenagers cannot be overlooked. Striking a
balance and promoting positive digital experiences are essential to
safeguarding their mental well-being.
VIII. REFERENCES
Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online
communication, social media and adolescent wellbeing: A
systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services
Review, 41, 27-36.
Katella, K. A. T. H. Y. (2024). How social media affects your
teen’s mental health: A parent’s guide. Yale Medicine.
O'Keeffe, G. S., Clarke-Pearson, K., & Council on
Communications and Media. (2011). The impact of social
media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics,
127(4), 800-804.
Twenge, J. M. (2020). Increases in depression, self‐harm, and
suicide among US adolescents after 2012 and links to
technology use: possible mechanisms. Psychiatric Research
and Clinical Practice, 2(1), 19-25.
THANK YOU
