Another study looked at data on more than 12,000 teens in England between the ages of 13 to 16. The researchers found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens (4)

Healthy social media

Social media lets teens create online identities, chat with others and build social networks. These networks can provide teens with support from other people who have hobbies or experiences in common. This type of support especially may help teens who:

• Lack social support offline or are lonely.

• Are going through a stressful time.

• Belong to groups that often get marginalized, such as racial minorities, the LGBTQ community and those who are differently abled.

• Have long-term medical conditions.

In the spring of 2023, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, released an advisory called Social Media and Youth Mental Health, in which he says there is growing evidence that social media is causing harm to young people’s mental health. Soon after, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued its own health advisory. A year later, in June 2024, Dr. Murthy called for a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, which would require an act of Congress to implement. (3)

Unhealthy social media

Social media use may have negative effects on some teens. It might:

• Distract from homework, exercise and family activities.

• Disrupt sleep.

• Lead to information that is biased or not correct.

• Become a means to spread rumors or share too much personal information.

• Lead some teens to form views about other people's lives or bodies that aren't realistic.

• Expose some teens to online predators, who might try to exploit or extort them.

• Expose some teens to cyberbullying, which can raise the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.