Introduction
Even though self-expression and communication are typically regarded as the primary functions of social media, they can have more complex effects. The adverse consequences of using social media include substituting the authentic self for a desired image and focusing on maintaining that ideal image. The relationship between social media and mental health is not linear or generally applicable. It justifies the use of the multidisciplinary research approach to discussing this topic from various perspectives.
For instance, the effects of teenagers’ social media use can be studied at the intersection of sociology and psychology. The social phenomenon reflects how people create their image, interact with others, and evaluate themselves (Hjetland et al., 2022). At the same time, these novel social norms shape the factors people regard as critical to their self-presentation and self-perception. Attempts to create an ideal image of oneself on social media cause psychological conflict and emotional distress, but moderate use of social media is not dangerous for adolescents.
Psychological Perspective
Teenagers are typically active social media users, which is consistent with their cognitive and emotional development stage. According to Erikson’s theory of personal development, adolescents are forming their identity through young adulthood, and community validation is especially vital during this period (Hjetland et al., 2022). When they understand that they are outcasts in society and people whom they consider necessary do not accept their identity, teenagers are under emotional stress.
This situation causes depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that do not allow adolescents to study and live during that time (Hjetland et al., 2022). The situation is aggravated when adults do not consider these problems worth attention because they are not severe. Therefore, validation by the community and the formation of a personal identity determine the adolescent’s self-esteem.
Biological Factors
The need for public validation and the pressure to prove to others that the teenager is unique are stressful, making adolescents vulnerable. This situation is aggravated by natural changes in teenagers’ hormone systems, which still cause significant stress. The mental health of young users, especially adolescents, is endangered due to the flexibility of their psyche and the active formation of self-image in this period (Hjetland et al., 2022). From one point of view, flexibility allows them to adapt to new circumstances, but at the same time, it is synonymous with instability and distress (Hjetland et al., 2022). It allows us to conclude that for teenagers, the way others perceive them is often the main component of their self-esteem, which causes significant problems, such as mental issues.
Mental Health Issues Related to Social Media Use
Sleep Deprivation
Recent investigations and surveys prove the assumption that teenagers can suffer from a variety of mental health problems if they misuse social media. According to studies, some adolescents who use social media at night may lose sleep, and others may be disturbed by it throughout the school day (Hjetland et al., 2022). Sleep deprivation can worsen academic performance and possibly raise the possibility of mental health problems. In fact, a sizable 2019 study discovered that young people may be more likely to internalize mental health conditions like anxiety or depression if they spend more than three hours using social media (Hjetland et al., 2022). This information shows that the misuse of social media has objective negative consequences for teenagers, raising concerns.
Life Satisfaction
As was already mentioned, teenagers are among the most vulnerable groups of individuals in the psychological sense due to social media. A sizable 2022 study (Hjetland et al., 2022) showed that people are most susceptible to the adverse effects of social media at certain ages. The researchers emphasize that, between the ages of 11 and 13, when life satisfaction declined after an increase in social media use, young women were susceptible to social effects. Around 14 or 15, males were more likely to have this experience, and at 19, social media sensitivity increased in both genders (Hjetland et al., 2022). Social media use increased as life satisfaction decreased, suggesting that it may be a coping strategy (Petkovic et al., 2021). This data justifies the claim that the emotional vulnerability of young people is higher compared to that of more adult individuals, and it causes psychological issues if social media is not used appropriately.
Beauty Ideals
Another point regarding the adverse psychological effects of social media use on adolescents concerns perceptions of physical beauty. Studies have revealed a link between bad body image and social media use. According to a survey, only 21% of teenagers who use social media feel self-conscious (Petkovic et al., 2021).
More than half of teenagers reported that the emotion was related to their bodies (Petkovic et al., 2021). Women, those with extensive online peer networks, people who often check social media, and people who follow celebrities were among the groups most at risk (Petkovic et al., 2021). Teenagers may find it tempting to compare themselves to the frequently retouched and flawless photographs of their friends, celebrities, or influencers on social media.
Dual Effect of Social Media
There is a controversial effect of using social media to compare physical images of celebrities and other people. Not all adolescents are depressed because of it, and it can have positive consequences for teenagers. For instance, following bloggers or famous people who are active and lead healthy lifestyles can motivate adolescents to change their habits, as is often the case among older populations (Oksa et al., 2021). They can start exercising, jogging, and eating healthy food rather than passively focusing on their appearance and health. The effect of the same image and content that adolescents see on social media depends significantly on their attitude (Oksa et al., 2021). While some of them will lose motivation to improve themselves and become depressed, others can be inspired to make positive changes.
At the same time, it is impossible to deny the importance of social media use in the daily lives of modern teenagers. It is integral to communication and information sharing in the contemporary world, and teenagers without social media accounts are considered strange by their peers (Hjetland et al., 2022). For this reason, having a social media page with content about one’s life is common and, in some cases, an obligatory thing for adolescents. Otherwise, they will be outcasts among their friends, and their chances for socialization decrease significantly.
The crucial point is that social media’s explosive growth has fundamentally changed how adolescents interact and develop. Despite providing unmatched connectivity and information availability, this shift has sparked worries about what effect it may have on young users’ mental health. For example, a recent study has highlighted the growing impact of social media on young adults’ and adolescents’ mental health.
Social media abuse, which is typified by problems like cyberbullying and privacy violations, poses severe threats to the mental health of this population, according to Gupta et al. (2022), even while it provides opportunities for improved communication and information access. Although social media can have positive effects on one’s self-esteem and health, excessive usage of the platform has been associated with mental health issues, self-harming behaviors, and even suicidality. This emphasizes how complex, dynamic, and multifaceted this influence is. As this paradox highlights, teenagers, their families, and physicians must navigate the digital world with caution and sensitivity.
The peculiar detail is that adolescents use social media in several ways, and the effects depend on their motivation. Gupta et al.’s (2022) study explores multiple ways teenagers use social media, from active to passive browsing. This distinction is important because it clarifies the different effects of various activities on mental health. Compared to passive usage, which is limited to seeing other people’s content, active use—such as sharing and posting—may be motivated by distinct goals.
The research advises against lumping these behaviors together too simplistically, as they serve different functions and produce distinct outcomes (Gupta et al., 2022). Therefore, it is crucial to understand the complex ways in which social media affects young minds to develop measures that effectively reduce potential threats. A more thorough investigation into how teenagers view and use digital technology is required to promote a positive relationship between youth and social media.
Communication is a vital component of personal development, and without it, the adolescent cannot integrate into society. They can have doubts about how others perceive their identity and which opinions they value. In this case, the reference group refers to the ideals teenagers strive to achieve (Petkovic et al., 2021).
Self-expression, in turn, is closely connected to communication and to how others perceive the adolescent (Petkovic et al., 2021). It is impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of self-expression without considering others’ reactions. Therefore, social media provides these opportunities to young people, which is a positive aspect despite the problems surrounding an active social media life.
The crucial point in discussing the effect of social media on adolescents concerns the amount of time the person spends online. It is vital to have a balance between real life and activity. It is also essential for teenagers to regard social media as a convenient tool for communicating with others, acquiring information, and expressing themselves (Petkovic et al., 2021). In other words, adolescents should be able to regulate the time and amount of attention they devote to social media for its appropriate use. Without a moderate, conscious approach to social media use and the significant imbalance between real life and virtual reality, social media can suppress adolescents’ individuality and cause significant harm.
Conclusion
There are both negative and positive consequences of teenagers’ use of social media, and problems are typically caused by an excessive focus on creating an ideal self-image online. The primary benefit of social media for young people’s positive self-expression and social involvement is substantial because they receive positive feedback from peers. A distorted sense of self-worth, increased worry, and sadness are among the negative consequences on mental health that are associated with excessive and unrestrained usage of the platform. The investigation shows the dual nature of social media’s influence, a logical consequence of the fundamental mechanisms that underlie these various outcomes. Social media shapes the landscape of teenage mental health, negotiating the complex trade-offs between its advantages and disadvantages.
References
Gupta, C., Jogdand, S., & Kumar, M. D. (2022). Reviewing the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. Cureus, 14(10).
Hjetland, G. J., Finserås, T. R., Sivertsen, B., Colman, I., Hella, R. T., & Skogen, J. C. (2022). Focus on self-presentation on social media across sociodemographic variables, lifestyles, and personalities: A cross-sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 11133.
Oksa, R., Saari, T., Kaakinen, M., & Oksanen, A. (2021). The motivations for and well-being implications of social media use at work among millennials and members of former generations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 803.
Petkovic, J., Duench, S., Trawin, J., Dewidar, O., Pardo Pardo, J., Simeon, R., DesMeules, M., Gagnon, D., Hatcher Roberts, J., Hossain, A., Pottie, K., Rader, T., Tugwell, P., Yoganathan, M., Presseau, J., & Welch, V. (2021). Behavioural interventions delivered through interactive social media for health behaviour change, health outcomes, and health equity in the adult population. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5(5).