Network-based digital platforms have revolutionised the way we communicate, access information, and entertain ourselves. Social media services enable various forms of communication, both verbal and visual, bringing people together and facilitating instant connection and interaction. These platforms are now present in nearly every household and are widely regarded as valuable tools for all, including children and adolescents.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, internet usage enabled young people to maintain peer communication, particularly important during adolescence, and supported the continuation of activities such as remote schooling. In 2021, 59% of Italian adolescents admitted using their smartphones more frequently than before, with 46% using them for more than three hours a day.
Social Media’s Major Impact on the Younger Generations
With Facebook reaching 2.9 billion monthly active users, YouTube 2 billion, Instagram 1.5 billion, and TikTok 1 billion, these are the most widely accessed social media platforms globally. In this digital context, social interaction or even casual browsing on social networks plays a significant role in the lives of many young people, influencing their self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
On one hand, there is evidence that social media can improve mood and promote healthy behaviours in certain situations. On the other hand, excessive or unregulated media use may be linked to adverse outcomes, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescents.
Mental Health Challenges Among the Most Common Disorders Linked to Social Media
There is a growing body of evidence showing a positive association between internalising symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, and social media use. Depression has been increasingly connected to the rise in digital communication, with virtual interactions often replacing face-to-face contact due to excessive smartphone use and online messaging. Key contributing factors include compulsive behaviours such as message-checking, emotional investment, and addiction.
Research suggests that the more time adolescents spend on digital devices, the higher their levels of depression. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are now among the leading causes of illness and disability in young people.
Some Key Examples
- In Egypt, students exhibiting problematic internet use were found to have higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
- In Italy, cyberbullying affects 7% of children aged 11–13 years and 5.2% of adolescents aged 14–17, while stalking impacts more than 600 minors. These experiences can contribute to depression and suicidal tendencies.
- In China, a 2021 study involving 3,036 adolescents found that excessive TikTok use was associated with memory impairment, particularly in recalling number sequences and deficits in working memory, alongside increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Social media addiction, particularly Facebook addiction, has been linked not only to depression but also to dysthymia, increased risk of social isolation, and heightened vulnerability to substance use and behavioral issues.
Despite the evidence, the casual link between social media and adolescent depression is still not fully understood. It remains unclear whether social media use leads to depression, or whether individuals with depressive symptoms are more drawn to social media, potentially creating a vicious cycle. A 2020 study concluded that the relationship between symptoms and social media should be seen as an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect.
What Mechanisms Might Explain the Link Between Social Media and Mental Health Risk?
One proposed mechanism is the unrealistic portrayal of life on social media. These platforms often present an idealised version of reality, with influencers and users posting highly curated and edited content. Body shape, facial features, and other attributes are frequently digitally altered.
Social comparison is especially common during adolescence. Exposure to these unrealistic but seemingly ‘authentic’ images can intensify body dissatisfaction, particularly among young girls with low self-esteem. This dissatisfaction may prompt harmful behaviours, such as seeking rapid weight loss tips, potentially leading to eating disorders like anorexia.
A 2020 survey indicated that 32% of teenage girls felt worse about their bodies after using Instagram, especially those already struggling with negative body image.
Social Media Usage Affects Adults
A 2025 survey involving over 42,500 adults across all 50 US states and the District of Columbia found that frequent social media users reported increased irritability, beyond what could be explained by depression or anxiety alone.
Irritability is often dismissed as a by-product of other mental health issues, yet when it coexists with depression, it can result in more severe functional impairments, poorer treatment outcomes, and a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Additionally, it can impact social relationships, work performance, and increase the risk of violent behaviours.
The implications of this irritability, and the potential for targeted interventions, merit further investigation.
Conclusion
While social media has proven to be a useful tool, excessive or inappropriate usage may pose risks to mental health, particularly among adolescents. These risks include depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviours. Given the particular vulnerability of younger individuals, there is an urgent need to raise public and medical awareness of this issue.
Prevention strategies must begin with healthcare professionals, caregivers, and digital platform developers. Moreover, families should be educated on the risks of prolonged social media exposure and the potential harm it may pose to their children’s mental wellbeing.
Veronique Ropion, MD
Director of Business Strategy, Marketing & Corporate Communication
Source:
- Bozzola E. et al. The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 9960. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph19169960
- Mazzeo S.E. et al. Mitigating Harms of Social Media for Adolescent Body Image and Eating Disorders: A Review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management 2024:17 2587–2601
- Pedrouzo S.B., Krynski L. Hyperconnected: children and adolescents on social media. The TikTok phenomenon. Arch Argent Pediatr 2023;121(4):e202202674
- Perlis R.H. et al. Irritability and Social Media Use in US Adults. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(1):e2452807. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52807
- Sha P, Dong X. Research on Adolescents Regarding the Indirect Effect of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress between TikTok Use Disorder and Memory Loss. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(16):8820.
- Wells G et al. Facebook knows Instagram is toxic for teen girls, company documents show. Wall Street Journal; Available from: https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739.