SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH 1

Social Media and Youth Mental Health: Unveiling the Connection

Rhéa R. René

University of Baltimore

PSYC 200: Introduction to Professional Practices

Dr. John Gasparini

December 10, 2024

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Abstract
Social media has become an integral part of adolescent life, offering both positive and

negative impacts on mental health. This composition examines its effects focusing on how it

fosters social connections, self-expression, and community engagement. Research highlights that

platforms can enhance self-concept and provide emotional support. however, extensive use can

also lead to harmful outcomes, such as increased self-consciousness, body image issues, and self-

harm. Through qualitative studies, it has been shown that adolescents are particularly vulnerable

to the pressures of unattainable beauty standards, which are frequently perpetuated on social

media. Moreover, the desire for social validation and acceptance can prompt risky behaviors,

including the development of eating disorders. The review draws on studies that explore these

complex relationships, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to social media usage.

Findings suggested that while social media can serve as a valuable tool for connection, its

negative impacts must be addressed through targeted interventions to mitigate the risks to

adolescent mental health.

Keywords: social media, adolescents, mental health, eating disorders, social validation
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Social Media and Youth Mental Health: Unveiling the Connection

Over the last decades, social media has been a key component of our lives by facilitating

communication and connections over the world. With the expansion of technology, it has

evolved from merely being a collection of platforms designed to entertain users into a powerful

tool utilized by institutions, governments, and companies for marketing purposes. More

importantly, numbers have shown that teenagers are the primary group being online. In the

United States, 89% of adolescents have a smartphone, and 70% of them use social media daily

(Vaingankar et al., 2022).With that being said, it became clear that social media has an impact on

their users’ behaviors and beliefs. Its profound influence on people’s values has led researchers to

question the impact of heavy social media usage among the youth. Several articles dissected this

question and offered different perspectives in light of this issue. Throughout this review, we will

discuss the supportive evidence showcasing the positive impact social media has on young users.

However, it is important to also make a deeper analysis on the negative impact of social media

on the youth’s mental health.

Literature Review

Building Social Connections

In a qualitative study conducted by Vaingankar et al. a sample group of adolescents and

young adults shared their thoughts on social media and its impact on their own mental health

(2022). The study comprised of 25 interviews and 11 focus group discussions (FDGs). The group

consisted of 51 female and 44 male participants. All the participants have admitted being heavy

users of social media through many platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and

more. The responses from the subjects of the study have suggested that social media has been an

excellent way to build relationships and discover a sense of self (Vaingankar et al., 2022).
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Furthermore, they’ve used those platforms as a channel for self-expression by sharing deep

feelings, not only with their peers, but also with other users that listen, and provide feedback and

support. Based on these narratives, Vaingakar et al. suggested that social media helps with five

positive mental health themes. These were identified as: (1) positive relationships, (2) self-

concept, (3) coping, (4) happiness, and (5) psychological well-being (2022). In other words, the

study offers fresh insights into how social media can promote positive mental health among the

youth.

Results indicate that social media can enhance relationships and interactions between

users. They provide aa great forum for discussions, solidarity, and social activism. It can also

provide the youth with a community they can relate to and share with, while showing mutual

respect and creating meaningful connections. In this way, young users can gain a deeper

understanding of their identity, while exploring new trends, fresh ideas, and expanding their

perspectives on the world. However, other studies suggested that the impact of social media on

happiness depends on its usage and the type of platform used.

Mental Health Struggles Online

In their research article, Abi-Jaoude et al. mention a survey data from 2013, 2014, and

2015 which review the use of Facebook and how it is closely linked to poor mental health

(2020). Based on these reports, researchers found that the use of social media can negatively

impact body image concerns which can lead to eating disorders. Adolescents tend to compare

themselves to what they think is ideal. In a randomized study, female study respondents admitted

having a negative mood after a couple minutes of scrolling on Facebook (Abi-Jaoude et al.,

2020). Additionally, participants have reported wanting to change their appearance after seeing

other posts from the other users.

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Furthermore, social media has become a channel to spread sexualized images of young

girls (Palawat et al., 2024). Teenagers are among the heaviest users of social media, with 89% of

those aged 13-18 regularly engaging with these platforms. This extensive exposure to explicit

images significantly influences their perception of beauty and reshapes their body ideals. These

images often showcase unrealistic beauty standards which include characteristics like perfect

skin and specific body proportions. In response to that, young girls tend to develop eating

disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Other researchers raise the question of suicidal thoughts and self-harm as a negative

impact of social media addiction. Based on a study of Taiwanese senior high school adolescents’

students, researchers have claimed that Internet addiction raises the risk of self-harm and suicidal

thoughts (Abi-Jaoude et al., 2020). Surprisingly, young users utilize social media platforms as a

way to share their suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors by promoting disturbing and

explicit videos of the acts. There have been rising concerns of adolescents using social media as

way to romanticize and normalize self-harm among the youth.

Escaping Reality Online

Some observational studies highlighted a correlation between the number of hours spent

on social networking sites and increased suicide rates and depressive behaviors among female

adolescents (Abi-Jaoude et al., 2020). However, the youth who preserved face-to-face

communication and socializing have less chances to be victims of these consequences. Over the

years, researchers have realized that smartphones interfere with real-time interactions, often

reducing the quality of face-to-face communication and diminishing the depth of personal

connections. A recent study sampling 304 participants revealed that even carrying phones on a
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table or at social gatherings can distract users. This often leads to a worse mood compared to

individuals who were instructed to keep their smartphones out of sight.

Discussion

In light of recent research, some might suggest that social media can serve as a platform

for forming connections and engaging in meaningful interactions, providing opportunities for

active participation and social support. In the first source analysis, we explored how young users

have reported the positive impacts social media have had on their relationships. According to the

results, social media often improves social capital among the youth (Vaingankar et al., 2022).

The study sampled young adolescents aged 15 to 24, a demographic chosen intentionally as these

years represent critical transitional stages in life. The group comprised of three ethnic groups in

Singapore (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). At such a young age, creating meaningful bonds and

being part of a social group help manage the stress of a teenage life. Even though this research

shares incredible insights on the positive impacts of social media has on the youth, we need to

account for the cultural differences in the sample, which could significantly shape how social

media influences self-concept and relationships.

Many other research studies focus more on the negative impact of social networking

sites, highlighting issues such as decreased face-to-face interactions, the rise of cyberbullying,

distorted body image perceptions, and increase feelings of anxiety among users. Participants

have expressed interests in changing their appearance to attain certain beauty standards (Palawat

et al., 2024). Additionally, social platforms become a channel for sharing explicit and sexualized

images of young people, which can often make young girls normalize such behavior. Palawat et

al. present compelling statistics to support these claims: 10% to 25% of adolescents engage in

“sexting”, while 15% to 35% report receiving such messages. That same study explores the risk
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of negative psychological and social outcomes associated with such harmful behaviors, such as

unhealthy sexual development and self-expression.

Palawat et al. touches on the topic of self-harm, noting how risky online behaviors, such

as “sexting”, can contribute to emotional distress and potentially harmful coping mechanisms.

This aligns with Abi-Jaoude et al.’s findings, which emphasize the link between excessive social

media use and an increase in self-harm behaviors, particularly among adolescents who are

already vulnerable to mental health challenges (2020). Both studies underscore the complex

interplay between online activities and the mental well-being of young users.

Conclusion

After thorough review of the literature, it can be concluded that social media offers

several positive aspects. It serves as a valuable tool for building connections, fostering a sense of

community, and enabling self-expression. additionally, it provides opportunities to users to

engage with diverse perspectives, access support networks, and cultivate their identity in ways

that can enhance social and emotional well-being. However, some platforms can create the

opposite effects. Social media often serves as a platform for promoting unattainable beauty

standards, profoundly impacting the developing minds of female adolescents. Driven by the

desire for societal acceptance and validation from the online communities they closely follow,

young girls may escort to altering their bodies, which ultimately leads to the development of

mental health issues, including eating disorders. Many qualitative studies have been done to

gather sufficient data that support the harmful effects of social media. From self-consciousness to

self-harm, social media can be a catalyst for negative mental health outcomes, fostering

unrealistic comparisons, low self-esteem, and emotional distress among its users.
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References

Abi-Jaoude, E., Naylor, K. T., & Pignatiello, A. (2020). Smartphones, social media use and youth

mental health. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 192(6), E136–E141.

https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.190434

Palawat, M. S., Charan, G. S., Kaur, A., & Pareek, S. (2024). Social Media’s Seductive Spell –

Unraveling the Impact on Teen Girls. Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, 40(4), 341.

https://doi.org/10.4103/ijsp.ijsp_123_23

Vaingankar, J. A., van Dam, R. M., Samari, E., Chang, S., Seow, E., Chua, Y. C., Luo, N., Verma,

S., & Subramaniam, M. (2022). Social Media–Driven Routes to Positive Mental Health

Among Youth: Qualitative Enquiry and Concept Mapping Study. JMIR Pediatrics and

Parenting, 5(1), e32758. https://doi.org/10.2196/32758

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Appendix A

1. APA title page

with all elements from the Purdue Owl sample paper provided on SAIKAI (except.
author note). Use the sample paper to help guide you.
✘ Title page running head .5 pt.
✘ Title, author name, and institution .5 pt.

2. Abstract Page
✘ APA running head for all of the pages following the title page-.5 pt.
✘ APA heading .5 pt.
✘ APA keywords .5 pt.
✘ Page numbers .5 pt.
✘ Content 1 pt.

3. Introduction

✘ Introduction-APA style and Content 1 pt.

o The introduction states the topic and the main questions/areas to
be explored.
✘ Proper heading 1 pt.

4. Literature Review (see above) 4 pt.

5. ✘ Discussion 2 Pt.
6. ✘ Conclusions 2 pt.

7. Reference Section
 ✘ Peer reviewed journal articles not older than 5 years- 1 pt.
 ✘ APA Heading – 1 pt.
 ✘ APA style reference format-2 pt.
8. Appendix
 ✘ 2 APA style appendices with proper headings 2 pt.
 ✘ Your first appendix must include a completed (checked off) grading
rubric 1 pt.
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 ✘ Your second appendix must include a screenshot of a “paragraph”

settings tab as illustrated below 1 pt
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Appendix B