How Social- Media Can Be Linked to Depression in Teenagers
Written By: Stefani Edwards, Counseling Intern
Key Words: Adolescents, Social Media, Depression
Disclaimer: The information and resources provided in this blog post are simply supplementary information. The recommendations and resources in this post are not a substitute for mental health treatment.
Is there a link between teen depression and the use of social media? Social media plays an important factor in many teens' lives and has increased drastically over the last five years. Social media websites have become the most common activity of today's adolescents, whether they are scrolling through social media feeds or interacting in immersive video games with online "friends." They are spending most of their free time occupying themselves using these sites (Miller, 2021).
It is becoming more evident that there is a link between frequent use of social media and depression, especially in teenagers. In several studies, teenagers who spend most of their time on social media platforms have a substantially higher rate of reported depression than those who do not.
What is causing this link?
Teens are spending less time on authentic person-person social interactions. In turn, they are having feelings of isolation. Social connections through social media tend to be less satisfying in nature. The more they use social media, the more they feel like they are missing out on something based on other peers' social media posts (Miller, 2021).
Teens' self-esteem may be impacted due to comparing themselves to images on posts. They may view their peers as prettier, thinner, or more popular. This process of comparison has led to increased worry about body image (Miller, 2021).
As teens spend more and more time on social media, they engage in fewer activities that create a sense of accomplishment. They are exercising less. They aren't challenging themselves to learn new skills or develop talents (Miller, 2021).
Cyberbullying is becoming more frequent. Peer pressure is more evident, and negative rumors are spreading quickly (Health Matters, 2020).
Too much screen time can disrupt sleep and cause sleep deprivation. 60% of teens are looking at their phones right before they try to go to sleep. Blue light from electronic screens makes it harder for sleep to occur (Health Matters, 2020).
Tools to help our teens have healthy social media use:
Have open conversations with your teen about the negative impacts of social media. Explain to them what is appropriate and what is not. Discuss how certain posts can negatively impact how they feel about themselves and others.
Turn the social media notifications off. This will allow disconnection from the social media sites, as posts are continually being posted.
Encourage physical activity and time away from social media.
Encourage meeting with friends face-to-face regularly.
Put your own phones down to model healthy boundaries surrounding social media use.
Set boundaries regarding phone use at night before sleep. Enforce not having phones in the bedroom an hour before sleeping.
References
Miller, C. (2021, November 17). Does social media use cause depression? Child Mind Institute. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, December 21). Teens and social media use: What's the impact? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
Teen Social Media Statistics. Smart Social Learn How to Shine Online. (2020). Retrieved January 12, 2022, from https://smartsocial.com/post/social-media-statistics
Health Matters. (2020, February 28). Is social media threatening teens' mental health and well-being? NewYork-Presbyterian. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://healthmatters.nyp.org/is-social-media-threatening-teens-mental-health-and-well-being/