By Sophia Chajchic ’27
Kids from the ages of 12-19 who are on social media for an excessive amount of time have twice the risk of experiencing depression and anxiety. In today’s society, it is very rare to see a teen who isn’t on social media platforms such as scrolling on TikTok, chatting on Snapchat, and sharing pictures on Instagram. Teens are spending more time on social media than ever before (Katella). Excessive screen time and social media usage can significantly impact brain development, particularly in children and teenagers, by altering cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and social behaviors. Social media has a heavy influence on teenagers and has become a big part of shaping how teens express themselves and even their perspective on the world. Social media impacts teens differently depending on the aspects of their maturity and the content they watch. While some platforms offer the opportunity for creativity and communication, they also expose teens to unrealistic standards and cyberbullying.
Excessive amounts of social media has shown to negatively impact the development of the brain. According to Yale Medicine, “Frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain, potentially affecting such functions as emotional learning and behavior, impulse control, and emotional regulation” (Katella). This quote explains that overuse of social media can cause changes in how the brain grows and functions such as how well a teenager can focus, take in information, and retain knowledge. It also can change how teens behave such as how they act, respond to situations, and control emotions or impulses. The brain is not fully developed until your early 20s and is going through a critical stage of development between the ages of 10 and 19. Katella stresses the importance of brain development during the teen years, stating, “The report stresses that the brain is going through a highly sensitive period between the ages of 10 and 19, when identities and feelings of self-worth are forming” (Katella). Excessive amounts of social media can send signals to the brain similar to addiction and the need to continue using social media. This is supported by the quote, “Some researchers think that exposure to social media can overstimulate the brain’s reward center and, when the stimulation becomes excessive, can trigger pathways comparable to addiction” (Katella).
The growing influence of social media on teenagers is causing many to become less socially engaged in real-life interactions. For example, “when friendship is conducted online and through texts, kids are doing this in a context stripped of many of the most personal — and sometimes intimidating — aspects of communication. It’s easier to keep your guard up when you’re texting, so less is at stake. If kids aren’t getting enough practice relating to people and getting their needs met in person and in real time, many of them will grow up to be adults who are anxious about our species’ primary means of communication” (Ehmke). This quote explains that teens aren’t learning proper communication skills such as resolving conflicts face to face, being able to read someone’s body language, and being able to speak confidently. Instead they are openly conversing and not thinking of what they are saying and how it could hurt someone’s feelings. Social media makes it easier for teens to engage in bullying and disrespectful behavior more easily, which can put their personal relationships at risk. In other words, “Social media is teaching them to disagree in ways that are more extreme and do jeopardize the relationship” (Ehmke).
Social media affects individuals differently across various ages and genders with its impact shaped based on maturity and the type of content consumed. Katella states, “A variety of concerns includes the amount of time adolescents spend on the platform, the type of content they consume and the degree of which it disrupts activities essential for health such as sleep and physical activity” (Katella). This quote explains the dangers of social media go farther than just using for excessive amounts of time, but it also explains how it also interferes with key activities for teens such as their sleep and physical activity. Social media also increases the chances of teens experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. There are higher concerns in girls on social media because they see unrealistic standards which can lead to poor body image, disordered eating behaviors, and poor sleep quality linked to social media use. This is supported by, “Girls reported higher levels of problematic social media use than boys (13% vs 9%)” (Teens, Screen’s and Mental Health).
Social media has provided antisocial teenagers a platform to create positive relationships they may struggle to form in person. For example, ”Some teenagers experience a benefit when they use social media to foster positive connections with others who share common interests or identities. majority of respondents felt that social media helps teenagers feel more accepted (58%)” (Katella). Social media has played a key role in helping teens create relationships when in=-person interaction is difficult for them. For teens who have shy personalities and feel uncomfortable with face-to-face conversations, apps such as Instagram allow a safer space to express themselves. Social media also makes it easier to stay in touch with people who are far from you. It still allows people to be able to talk and maintain friendships. In these ways stated social media offers support and a space for connections to be made and allows teens to strengthen relationships to feel less lonely.
However, excessive screen time and social media usage can significantly impact brain development, particularly in children and teenagers, by altering cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and social behaviors. Social media has a heavy influence on teenagers and has become a big part of shaping how teens express themselves and even their perspective on the world. Social media impacts teens differently depending on the aspects of their maturity and the content they watch. While some platforms offer opportunities for creativity and communication, they also expose teens to unrealistic standards and cyberbullying. Social media can not only impact the development of teenagers’ brains and change their behaviors but it also puts teens at a high risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and having a low self-esteem. It allows teens to disassociate from being social and creating relationships outside of social media. Lastly, it disrupts teenagers’ sleep and physical activities. Excessive amounts of social media trigger pathways comparable to addiction. Social media overall negatively impacts a teenager and their development.
Works Cited
Ehmke, Rachel. “How Using Social Media Effects Teenagers.” Child Mind Institute, 16 April 2025, https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/. Accessed 2 May 2025.
Faverio, Michelle, et al. “Teen’s, Social Media and Mental Health.” Pew Research Center, 22 April 2025, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/. Accessed 1 May 2025.
Katella, Kathy. “How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parents Guide.” Yale Medicine, 17 June 2024, https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide. Accessed 30 April 2025.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Teens and social media use: What’s the impact.” Mayo Clinic, 18 January 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437. Accessed 5 May 2025.
“Social Media and Mental Health in Children and Teens.” John Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/social-media-and-mental-health-in-children-and-teens. Accessed 7 May 2025.
“Teens, Screen’s and Mental Health.” World Health Organization, 25 September 2024, https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health. Accessed 5 May 2025.
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