The Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

Abstract

There is increasing concern regarding the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, yet medical providers have limited guidance on how to effectively screen their adolescent patients. Research has suggested a negative association between excessive time on digital media, more than 2-hours per day, and emotional health. Perhaps more importantly, adolescent vulnerabilities, such as existing anxiety or depression, when exposed to certain social media experiences can cause further decline of mental health. The goal of this review is to help providers effectively evaluate social media use in adolescent patients and provide guidance on its use to help preserve or improve their emotional well-being.