The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Mental Health

Xilin Zeng

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.HT27388

Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public MediaOpen access

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Mental Health

Research Article

Open Access

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Mental Health

Xilin Zeng ^1*

¹ University of Minnesota

^*Corresponding author: zeng0330@umn.edu

Published on 2 October 2025

LNEP Vol.124

ISSN (Print): 2753-7056

ISSN (Online): 2753-7048

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-405-2

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-406-9

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Abstract

This study examines the complex effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents in the digital age. Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 now live their lives heavily influenced by social media, which shapes their social interactions, identity formation, and mental health. Frequent use carries serious hazards, such as anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, even though it offers chances for social interaction and assistance, especially for under-represented groups. According to empirical data, social comparison and body-image issues are exacerbated by algorithm-driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with adolescents who are insecurely attached being particularly susceptible to unfavourable comments. Unrealistic self-evaluations are fostered by excessive exposure to idealised content, which can lead to mental pain and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Psychological vulnerabilities are made worse by physical health problems, such as sleep disturbances brought on by extended screen time. The relationship between social media and teenage mental health is complicated overall, influenced by usage patterns, platform features, and individual differences, even when favourable outcomes—like peer support and decreased loneliness—are obvious. Generalisability is limited by methodological flaws in current research, such as the use of self-reported cross-sectional data and small, culturally limited groups. Nevertheless, findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based interventions by parents, schools, and policymakers to mitigate risks and promote adolescents’ healthy development.

Keywords:

Social media, Adolescents, Mental health.

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References

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References

[2]. Mukharjee M.: The impact of social media presence on anxiety, depression and suicide ideation among adolescent girls. International Journal of Psychology Research 5(1), 38–41

[3]. American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force.: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5™ (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., Washington

[4]. World Health Organization.: Who results report 2020–2021. World Health Organization, Geneva (n.d.)

[5]. Tong J.: The impact of social media on adolescent depression and anxiety. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media 22(1), 213–220

Cite this article

Zeng,X. (2025). The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Mental Health. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,124,54-62.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceeding of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: The Dialogue Between Tradition and Innovation in Language Learning

ISBN: 978-1-80590-405-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-406-9(Online)

Editor: Heidi Gregory-Mina, Enrique Mallen

Conference website: https://2025.icihcs.org/Huntsville.html

Conference date: 17 November 2025

Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media

Volume number: Vol.124

ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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