9 Ways Social Media Use Affects Teens

Social media is one of the most popular pastimes for teens and adults alike. Most teens use social media to connect with friends and express themselves. 

When used appropriately and safely, it can be a beneficial tool. But when teens use social media too much or are exposed to inappropriate content, it can be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

How can social media affect teen health?

Social media can contribute to several health issues, including:

1. Depression and anxiety

Spending more time on social media is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety among teens. In fact, the term “Facebook depression” has been used to refer to the mood symptoms that many people develop after spending time on social media. 

Children who experience cyberbullying are at even greater risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that occurs via digital devices. Bullying is a form of peer rejection that can be devastating for victims. Teens who experience cyberbullying are four times more likely to think about and attempt suicide. 

2. Sleep disturbances

Teens who spend longer amounts of time on social media are at greater risk for developing sleeping problems. Research has found that social media is linked to:

• Shorter sleep time

• Longer time to fall asleep

• Poorer sleep quality

Sleep is an important component of good physical and mental health, especially for growing teens. When teens fail to get enough sleep, they are at greater risk for:

• Injuries

• Substance use issues

• Depression

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3. Negative body image

It’s not surprising that there is a strong link between more time spent on social media and negative body image, especially for teen girls. 

Social media users tend to post their most flattering photos and use editing software to enhance what they show the world. Teens who spend longer amounts of time on social media tend to compare themselves to these idealized images. This can result in more negative feelings about their own appearance. 

4. Eating disorders

Social media is also linked to a higher risk of certain eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia are two eating disorders that involve a fear of gaining weight. As previously mentioned, social media is linked to negative body image. And negative body image is a symptom of both of these eating disorders. 

In some cases social media also provides a community for people with eating disorders to encourage one another to lose weight. Members of these communities may support each other and share tips on extreme weight loss methods, which can reinforce eating disorder symptoms.

5. Lack of physical activity

Spending lots of time on apps can prevent teens from participating in real-world activities. As a result, teens who spend more time on social media may be less physically active, which can negatively impact their health.

6. Dental problems

In addition to physical inactivity, some research suggests children who spend long periods of time on social media may neglect other healthy habits. Research suggests teens who use social media a lot are less likely to practice good dental habits in particular, like daily brushing. Studies show that these children are more likely to experience issues like toothaches and bleeding gums. 

7. Vision problems

Some research suggests excessive electronic use increases the risk of eye-related issues, such as:

• Vision problems

• Eye infections

• Dry eyes

8. Sexual activity

Teens who use social media may be more likely to view inappropriate sexual material. They are also more vulnerable to engaging in early sexual activity and having unprotected sex.

9. Online sexual grooming

Perhaps one of the scariest risks is the potential for children to become victims of online sexual predators. These online predators are often adults trying to trick teens into meeting them. Social media platforms make it all too easy for online predators to mask themselves as peers. 

Teen girls are the most vulnerable, but boys can also be victims of online grooming. Setting appropriate boundaries around social media and internet use can reduce this risk.

Why do teens use social media?

Teens use social media for a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons teens say they use social media are to:

• Connect with peers

• Share aspects of their lives with others

• Give and receive support

• Better understand what their friends are feeling

• Express their creativity

• Get new perspectives

Many teens enjoy having the opportunity to share aspects of their lives with their peers that they otherwise would not. When asked what teens post most often, they reported sharing their:

• Accomplishments

• Feelings

• Dating life

• Family life

• Religious views

• Political beliefs

How many teens use social media?

According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, around 95% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are active on a social media platform. 

YouTube is the most popular social media platform used by teens, followed by: 

• TikTok

• Instagram

• Snapchat

More than half of teens use social media platforms every day. Around 36% of teens believe that they spend more time than they should on social media. And over half admit that it would be hard for them to cut back.

How can parents help teens have a healthy relationship with social media?

Social media can be positive for teens when used appropriately. It becomes negative when it is used excessively or teens are exposed to content that is inappropriate or threatens their safety. 

As parents, you can take a proactive approach to social media with your children. Below are some strategies to help you do just that.

Set boundaries around screen time

Setting boundaries and expectations around screen time helps keep everyone in the family on the same page. Consider what seems like a reasonable limit based on your child’s age and maturity level. You can even ask your child’s pediatrician for advice. Communicate these expectations clearly to your child and stick to them. 

Experts recommend removing devices from children’s rooms at least 1 hour before bed and recharging them elsewhere. The blue light from many electronics and notification sounds and vibrations can interfere with sleep.

Use parental controls

Before handing over devices to your teen, set up appropriate parental controls based on their age and maturity level. Some social media sites restrict underage users, so be sure that all downloaded apps are age-appropriate.

Try to avoid presenting parental controls as a punishment. If your teen pushes back on them, explain that they are a way to keep them safe. They may be angry initially, but if you hold your ground, over time they will adjust.

Have open conversations about what they see on social media

Children are exposed to a range of content on social media. For some, this is where they learn about important topics like:

• Sex

• Drugs

• Relationships

• Body image

It can be hard to control everything they are exposed to. But having open talks can help you correct any false information.

Many teens may not voluntarily tell you what they see online, so you may have to ask directly. Let them know that these conversations are not punitive, but rather so they can bring up any questions or concerns they have. 

If your child admits they saw something inappropriate, try to not react with anger. This may discourage them from sharing with you in the future. Instead, remain calm and ask them how they felt about it. Let them know that it is your job as the parent to keep them safe, so you will take extra measures to protect them online.

Encourage participation in other activities

Teens who have other hobbies will have less of a need to always be on social media. Encourage your child to do activities like play sports, dance, or make art. 

Take an interest in what they like to do by asking them questions and volunteering to be a part of it in some way. You can even invite them to join you in something that you enjoy. Family game nights are another great way to get everyone involved in positive, fun activities. 

Practice what you preach

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a parent is to model healthy behaviors around your own social media use. Be mindful of how often you check and post on social media. And follow the same rules that you set for your children. If all electronic devices get put away at a certain time, you should be following the same rules.  

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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