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Research papers on Social media and adolescent mental health

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  3. Internet Use, Depression, and Anxiety in a Healthy Adolescent Population: Prospective Cohort Study

    Robyn Pauline Thom, David S Bickham, Michael Rich · 2018 · JMIR Mental Health · 21 citations

    Background Psychiatric disorders, including conduct disturbances, substance abuse, and affective disorders, emerge in approximately 20% of adolescents. In parallel with the rise in internet use, the prevalence of depression among adolescents has increased. It remains unclear whether and how internet use impacts mental health in adolescents. Objective We assess the association between patterns of internet use and two mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety) in a healthy adolescent population. Methods

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  5. Review: Social media use and adolescent mental health – an umbrella review and power analysis

    Katrine B. Tølbøll · 2026 · Child and Adolescent Mental Health · 5 citations

    Background The relationship between social media use (SMU) and adolescent mental health continues to garner considerable attention, yet findings remain inconsistent and contradictory. This umbrella review aims to synthesize recent evidence on this topic and explore whether inconsistencies may be due to inadequate statistical power. Methods A systematic literature review of peer‐reviewed reviews and meta‐analyses published between 2021 and 2025 was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible reviews and meta‐analyses focused on SMU and mental healt

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  8. Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Engagement, Anxiety and Depression

    Sonal G. Bairagi · 2026 · International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering & Multidisciplinary Physical Sciences

    Excessive or problematic social media engagement is strongly linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress in adolescents, though the overall impact depends heavily on the quality of use and personal vulnerabilities. Spending more than two hours a day on social networking sites correlates with increased depressive symptoms, emotional distress, and sleep disruption. However, active one-to-one communication and mutual online friendships can actually alleviate loneliness and stress. Core Risk Mechanisms: Social Comparison: Constantly viewing idealized peer profiles triggers negative self-evaluation and body dissatisfaction. Feedback-Seeking: Relying on "likes" and

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  9. Increases in adolescent depression following social media use

    Valerie A. Canady · 2025 · Mental Health Weekly

    Increases in social media use during early adolescence were associated with greater depressive symptoms one year later, according to new research published May 21 in JAMA Network Open. Conversely, depressive symptoms were not associated with later social media use, researchers found.

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  10. Mental Health in Youth: Investigating the Impact of Social Media Usage on Adolescent Anxiety and Depression Levels

    Urba Javaid · 2025 · ApexMed Journal of Health Sciences

    The relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health has become a hot topic concerning its implications to psychologists, educators and policymakers alike. This report aims to the extent to which social media is a contributing factor to each of the two mental health concerns of anxiety and depression. Based upon a mixed-method methodology, we conducted quantitative and qualitative data collection from participants aged 13-19. Using standardised tools such as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), our quantitative method was deployed on 200 participants whilst qualitative data was collected on a smaller sample of 20 participa

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  11. Excessive Social Media Use and Mental Health Outcomes: Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

    Michał Rucki, Nikodem Cieleban, Aleksandra Rucka, et al. · 2026 · Journal of Education, Health and Sport

    Background: Social media use is near-universal among adolescents and young adults, with up to 95% of those aged 13–17 reporting active use and more than one third using it "almost constantly." Anxiety and depression indicators have risen sharply in this age band since the early 2010s, raising concern about a causal contribution. Aim: This narrative review synthesizes correlational, longitudinal, and experimental evidence linking social media overuse to anxiety and depression, with attention to mediators, vulnerable populations, and intervention efficacy. Material and methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, the Journal of Education, Health and Sport (JEHS), and Quality in Sport (QS) were

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  12. Adolescent Mental Health in the Context of Social Media – Focus on Social Anxiety and Depression

    Hanum Retno Hanifah, Adnanto Wiweko, I Made Danuarta Wiguna, et al. · 2026 · Indonesian Journal of Health and Medical Education

    This literature review explores the complex relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health, with a particular focus on social anxiety and depression. In the digital era, social media plays a major role in shaping adolescents’ self-identity and emotional well-being. This review synthesizes findings from various recent studies and analyzes how excessive and uncontrolled use of social media can damage self-perception, encourage unhealthy social comparisons, and trigger psychological disorders. Using a systematic literature review method, the study identifies key internal and external factors in identity formation—such as family, peers, and role models—and how these interact

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