By Agbai Sharonjoyce
Social media has become an inseparable part of daily life for young people, shaping how they connect, learn, and express themselves.
For adolescents—those between ages 10 and 19—it offers a world of opportunity: a place to build identity, find community, and engage with causes they care about. Yet, this same tool has become a growing source of mental distress, influencing everything from self-esteem to sleep patterns.
While social media provides space for creativity and support, it also exposes young users to anxiety, depression and social isolation. The impact often depends on the kind of content they consume, the amount of time spent online, and whether social media use replaces important daily activities such as exercise, studying, or rest.
Adolescence is a delicate phase of brain development—a time of heightened emotions, risk-taking, and self-discovery. It is also a period when mental health challenges are most likely to surface.
Behind the screen
One of the most visible harms of social media among adolescents is cyberbullying. The ease of anonymity online allows users to target others with insults, threats, and harmful rumours.
For many teenagers, such experiences are deeply distressing, often leading to anxiety, depression, or a withdrawal from social interaction. Unlike traditional bullying, the digital version can feel inescapable—following victims into what should be safe spaces like their homes.
Another growing concern is the fear of missing out, often called FOMO. Social media’s endless stream of updates, parties, and achievements can create a sense of exclusion for those watching from the sidelines. Adolescents frequently compare their own lives to carefully curated versions of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or loneliness.
Body image has also been deeply affected by digital culture. With countless filters, edited photos, and influencer-driven ideals, adolescents—especially girls—are exposed to unrealistic standards of beauty. Many internalise these ideals, leading to dissatisfaction with their bodies and, in some cases, the development of harmful habits.
Building a healthier relationship with social media
Despite its challenges, social media can also be a space for positive growth—if used wisely. Encouraging adolescents to develop critical thinking about what they see online is essential.
Digital literacy education helps them understand the motives behind viral trends, question unrealistic portrayals, and make thoughtful choices about their own engagement.
Equally important is the need to create balance. Setting healthy boundaries—such as limiting screen time, turning off notifications at night, or prioritising offline interactions—can help young people reconnect with the physical world. Parents and educators play a vital role in guiding these habits, offering support rather than surveillance.
At the community level, safe and supportive online spaces can make a difference. When adolescents participate in digital communities that focus on mental health awareness, education, or shared creativity, they find belonging without the pressure of competition. Such spaces, when properly moderated, can counter the toxicity that dominates much of today’s online culture.
A call for collective action
The influence of social media on young minds cannot be ignored. While it connects and empowers, it also isolates and distorts.
The challenge lies not in banning these platforms but in teaching responsible use. Collaboration between mental health experts, educators, policymakers, and tech companies is essential to build digital environments that value well-being over engagement metrics.
If society succeeds in this, social media could become more than a distraction—it could evolve into a tool for growth, learning, and empathy. Helping adolescents navigate the digital world with balance and awareness is one of the most powerful investments we can make in their future mental health.
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