The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Review of the Literature

The increasing prevalence of social media has become a significant concern for adolescents' mental health. Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine have conducted a review of the literature to examine the psychological impact of digital engagement on young people, considering both the benefits and the drawbacks. The study highlights the addictive nature of social media, which is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sleep problems.

Key Takeaways:

• The review of 20 recent studies found that excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sleep problems in adolescents.
• Social media addiction is a significant concern, with 62% of adolescents reporting feeling anxious or sad when they are unable to access social media.
• Social media can serve as a valuable tool for emotional connection, peer support, and identity formation, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups.
• The review suggests that encouraging mindful and balanced use, addressing problematic behaviors, and supporting digital literacy may help young people navigate online spaces in healthier, more resilient ways.
• The authors recommend that parents, educators, and healthcare professionals work together to promote responsible social media use and mitigate the risks to adolescent mental health.
• The study highlights the need for educators to develop digital literacy programs that teach young people how to critically evaluate online information and navigate online spaces safely.

Statistics:

• 62% of adolescents report feeling anxious or sad when they are unable to access social media (The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review).
• 71% of adolescents report comparing themselves to others on social media, which can lead to feelings of low self-esteem (The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review).
• 55% of adolescents report feeling pressure to present a perfect online image, which can lead to anxiety and depression (The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review).
• 45% of adolescents report spending more than 3 hours per day on social media, which can lead to sleep problems and decreased physical activity (The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review).

Sources:

• The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review, Annales Academiae Medicae Silesiensis, 2025, 79(): 296-301.
• NewsRx, Faculty of Medicine Researchers Release New Data on Mental Health Diseases and Conditions (The influence of social media and digital technologies on adolescent mental health - A literature review), Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 20, 2025; p 240.