How Social Media Shapes Youth Mental Health

And data from new reports

I still remember the first time I logged onto AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). The dial-up tone whined and screeched (a sample for some aspiring producer, no doubt), and I remember being so impatient wanting to be connected. The world just felt bigger, more accessible. For a kid growing up in a time when the internet was just beginning to reshape human interaction, AIM was revolutionary. It was my first taste of real-time digital connection—a space where I could talk to friends outside of school, experiment with how I showed up in the world, and felt a sense of connection beyond the confines of my physical world. Looking back, it felt like magic.

Today’s teenagers experience something similar—but at an entirely different scale. Social media has transformed from a tool of occasional connection into an omnipresent force. Unlike my AIM conversations, which ended when I signed off, today’s platforms follow young people everywhere, offering them an infinite stream of validation, information, and—sometimes—overwhelming pressure. It’s a lot to manage, and has definitely led to a lot of opinions on its role.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

It’s easy to villainize social media, but like so many things in life, in and of itself, it’s not inherently bad. For countless, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have become vital spaces for them to express themselves, find community, and even access mental health education. According to the Remapping Recovery Report from Made of Millions, 41 percent of Gen Z relies on social media for mental health education, more than traditional sources like schools and even parents. Hashtags like #ADHD and #Depression have each garnered millions of views, and mental health clinicians with massive followings have helped break down complex mental health topics into digestible videos.

Social media has undeniably played a role in destigmatizing mental health discussions. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is more likely to acknowledge their struggles and seek professional help. The accessibility of mental health conversations online has helped many young people put a name to their experiences, validate their emotions, and find others who relate. But this ease of information-sharing comes with its own set of risks.

The Pitfalls: Overdiagnosis, Misinformation, and Mental Strain

The rise of mental health awareness on social media has led to self-diagnosis becoming commonplace. While self-identification can be empowering, it also has its dangers. The Remapping Recovery Report also found that 60 percent of young people pursue some form of self-diagnosis, with only 40 percent seeking a clinical opinion. As someone who trained deeply in the clinical space, this is a huge red flag as it could lead people to make all kinds of assumptions about their symptoms, including over-pathologizing things that are normal.

Beyond misinformation, social media can also amplify anxiety and depression. Unlike my AIM chats, where I carefully curated my away messages and logged off when I needed a break, today’s teens exist in a space where they are constantly watched, judged, and compared. It’s exhausting even as a parent watching the constant flow of information and engagement. The pressure to maintain an online persona, rack up likes, and navigate digital drama requires a lot of energy, for sure. And for some, this digital presence becomes an extension of their self-worth.

Contrasting Views: The Role of Online Communities in Mental Health

While the Remapping Recovery Report highlights concerns about self-diagnosis and misinformation, another new report from Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation (BTWF), Without It, I Wouldn’t Be Here presents a different but complementary angle—one that emphasizes the life-saving aspects of online communities, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. This report found that 80 percent of LGBTQ+ young people see online spaces as critical for exploring their identity, with many feeling safer online than in their physical communities. Those are numbers that we should pay attention to.

Unlike concerns raised about social media fueling anxiety, this Hopelab and BTWF report showcases how online connections can be a refuge. LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those facing family rejection or living in conservative areas, use digital spaces to find acceptance, resources, and support networks. However, it also acknowledges the risks of online bullying, with 43 percent of transgender youth reporting harassment in digital spaces. I think the combination of these two reports highlights the complexity of social media—where it can be both a source of harm and a vital support system, depending on the person and how it is used.

School Policies and Digital Well-being

Recent research, such as the SMART Schools study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, adds another layer to the discussion by examining school phone policies and their relationship with student mental health. The study found no significant difference in mental health and well-being between students at schools with restrictive phone policies and those at more permissive institutions. However, it did highlight how increased smartphone and social media use outside of school correlated with poorer sleep and reduced physical activity—factors that contribute to declining mental health. I see this as another study that reinforces the idea that social media’s impact is not inherently negative but depends on a multitude of other variables, including broader lifestyle habits. Simply banning phones in classrooms alone does not address the deeper issues of digital consumption and its effects on youth mental health. Instead, a more complete and comprehensive approach—balancing screen time with offline activities—may be more effective in fostering healthier habits.

The Need for Balance

Blaming social media for the mental health crisis oversimplifies a complex issue. Yes, excessive use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and unrealistic self-expectations, but it can also serve as a lifeline for many. In the current debate on the pros and cons of social media, it seems that the challenge isn’t to eliminate social media altogether but to somehow find a way to cultivate healthier relationships with it.

One potential solution lies in digital literacy—helping young people discern credible mental health information from sensationalized content. It also means fostering offline connections, teaching self-regulation, and ensuring that online interactions don’t replace real-world experiences.

Moving Forward

While it’s super hard to compare my teenage dial up experience to today’s social media platforms, we both experienced a digital revolution in communication. But the stakes are higher now. The conversation shouldn’t be about whether social media is good or bad—it’s about how we guide young people to use it (or not) in a way that supports their well-being rather than diminishes it. As we continue to navigate this digital landscape, it’s feels pretty important to ensure that social media is a tool for empowerment, not just another source of pressure.