According to TechCrunch, new studies from the United States show that social media has both good and bad effects on teenagers’ mental health. Mental health refers to how teens feel emotionally and psychologically – including their mood, self-esteem, anxiety levels, and overall well-being. Two major organizations, Pew Research Center and the Trevor Project, asked thousands of teenagers about their experiences with apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord.
The Pew Research Center talked to 1,391 American teens aged 13-17 during September and October 2024. When researchers say their survey is “weighted,” it means they adjusted their numbers to make sure the results represent all American teens, not just the ones they happened to ask. The Trevor Project studied 18,000 LGBTQ young people (those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) aged 13-24, with more than half being people of color.
The Good Side of Social Media
The research found several positive effects of social media on teens:
- 74% of teens feel more connected to their friends through social media – that’s about 3 out of 4 teenagers finding friendship online
- 63% of teens see social media as a place where they can express their creativity and share their ideas
- 53% of young LGBTQ people of color reported feeling safe on TikTok, suggesting it provides a welcoming space for them
- 34% of teenagers use social media to find information about mental health when they need help
Think of social media like a community center where teens can meet friends, share art, find support groups, and get advice. For many young people, especially those who might feel different or alone in their physical communities, online platforms offer connection and belonging.
The Problems with Social Media
However, the studies also found concerning negative effects:
- 45% of teens say social media hurts their sleep – almost half are staying up too late scrolling through posts
- 40% of teenagers report that social media reduces their productivity – making it harder to focus on schoolwork and other important tasks
- 48% of teens believe social media negatively affects their peers – thinking other teenagers are being harmed by what they see online
Social media can be like a clock with no alarm – teens might plan to spend just a few minutes online but end up losing hours of sleep or study time. The constant stream of posts, videos, and messages can be hard to step away from, even when teens know they should.
How Teens See Social Media’s Impact
One of the most interesting findings is how differently teens view social media’s effect on themselves versus others:
| Who is affected | Percentage seeing negative effects |
|---|---|
| Effect on themselves personally | Only 14% of teens think social media hurts them |
| Effect on other teens | 48% of teens think social media hurts their peers |
This gap shows that many teenagers think, “I can handle social media just fine, but other teens are being harmed by it.” This is similar to how many adults think they’re better-than-average drivers – we often see problems in others more easily than in ourselves.
Talking About Mental Health
The research revealed that 52% of teenagers – more than half – feel uncomfortable discussing mental health problems with their parents. This might explain why 34% turn to social media for mental health information. When teens can’t talk face-to-face about their feelings, they look for help online.
Former U.S. Surgeon General (the country’s top doctor) has also studied this issue, showing that many experts are concerned about how social media affects young people’s minds. These studies could help shape new laws about how social media companies should protect teenagers.
Finding Balance in the Digital World
Social media is like food – we need it in our modern lives, but the type and amount matter greatly. Just as eating only junk food would be unhealthy, consuming only negative or harmful content online can hurt mental health. And just as eating too much of even healthy food can be bad, spending too many hours on social media can disrupt sleep and productivity.
These research findings don’t suggest teens should quit social media completely. Instead, they point to the need for balance, awareness, and open conversations about how online platforms affect mental health. Parents, teachers, and teens themselves can use this information to make healthier choices about when, how, and why they use social media.
