Today, social media is as much a part of teenage life as school, friends, and family. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube offer endless opportunities for connection and entertainment. Yet, as therapists, educators, and parents have increasingly observed, social media also brings complex mental health challenges, especially for adolescents who are still developing their sense of identity, self-worth, and social understanding.

The Pros and Cons of Connectivity

Social media can sometimes be a lifeline. These platforms can offer a sense of belonging for teens who feel isolated or marginalized. Someone questioning their gender identity can find validation through online LGBTQ+ communities. A teen struggling with anxiety might follow accounts that share mindfulness tools. Social media can also help keep up friendships, provide educational content, and fuel creativity through art, music, and self-expression.

However, for many teenagers, social media has become a measuring stick for self-worth. The number of likes, comments, or followers can start to feel like a concrete judgment of their value. When so much of adolescence is about figuring out who you are, this external validation (or lack thereof) can profoundly shape their self-esteem.

The Comparison Trap

Teens are bombarded with images of peers, influencers, and celebrities who lead seemingly perfect lives. Whether looking at flawless selfies, pictures of exotic vacations, or “What I eat in a day” videos, adolescents often compare their lives to a highlight reel that is curated, filtered, or even staged.

This can contribute to a distorted self-image and increased feelings of inadequacy. Research has linked heavy social media use to higher rates of body dissatisfaction, particularly among teen girls. But this effect isn’t limited by gender; boys and nonbinary teens also face pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Anxiety, Depression, and the Fear of Missing Out

Studies consistently show a correlation between high social media use and symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents. One that contributes to this is FOMO: the fear of missing out. Teens might scroll through their feeds and see friends hanging out without them, parties they weren’t invited to, or experiences they feel they’re lacking. Even when these posts are harmless or unintentional, they can trigger feelings of loneliness and exclusion.

Also, the pressure to maintain an online presence can become emotionally exhausting. Many teens report feeling compelled to check their phones constantly, which can disrupt sleep, increase stress, and interfere with in-person interactions.

The Rise of Cyberbullying

Another troubling aspect of social media use is cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, which is usually limited to school hours or certain locations, cyberbullying can follow a teen everywhere, relentlessly. Victims of cyberbullying often experience increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Even those who aren’t directly bullied may witness online cruelty, hate speech, or exclusionary behavior that contributes to a general sense of digital hostility.

What Can Be Done?

The answer isn’t as simple as taking phones away or banning social media. The focus should be on helping teenagers develop a healthier relationship with technology.

Encourage honest discussions about social media. Ask teens what they enjoy about it and what stresses them out. Avoid judging them. Aim for curiosity and compassion.
Help teens develop their digital literacy. This means understanding how algorithms work, how images are edited, and how online personas are curated. Teaching them to critically evaluate what they see can reduce the impact of comparisons.
Set more boundaries around online consumption. Encourage time limits, phone-free hours (especially before bed), and breaks from platforms that feel overwhelming. Promote offline activities that build their self-esteem.
Model healthy behavior with balanced social media use. Our own digital habits send an important message.
Get them professional help. If they’re struggling with their mental health and self-esteem as a result of social media, anxiety or depression therapy can address these issues.

If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, we can help. Together, we can help your teen build up their self-worth and learn to protect their emotions. Schedule a consultation with us today.

About the Author

Will Dempsey, LICSW, is a mental health therapist and the founder of Heads Held High Counseling, based out of both Boston and Chicago. Will is a gender-affirming LGBTQ+ practitioner who sees individuals looking to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. He often uses EMDR, IFS, CBT, and expressive arts to assist his clients. All sessions are offered exclusively online.

Social Media's Impact on Adolescent Mental Health