Social Media Impact On Teens: Substance Abuse & Mental Health
Today’s teenagers are more tightly connected to the internet and social media than ever before. Teens go online for many reasons, but overuse can create serious problems for everyone. Research shows that social media’s impact on teens may lead to increased substance abuse and mental health issues.
Studies have also proven that technology can worsen the effects of bullying and peer pressure, and also lead to drug use, addiction, and other mental health problems. Unfortunately, marketers are cashing in on this valuable demographic, which increases the impact of social media on teen addiction.
Teens and social media are a volatile mix
Statistics suggest that nearly all teenagers use social media and most think it has either a neutral or positive impact on them. Yet, some of them experience negative outcomes –
- Nearly 50% of surveyed teens agree that they’re sometimes overwhelmed by online drama
- About half of social media users feel pressure to show a specific outward appearance and behavior in order to fit in with peers
- More than 33% feel pressure to give or receive “likes” on Facebook, Meta, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and other platforms
Social media and peer pressure are powerful influences for teenagers
Peer pressure has been an issue since long before the birth of Meta – Facebook. But when it’s spread across social media platforms, the pressure can become far more damaging. For example, nearly 60% of young people report that they’ve been a victim of cyberbullying at least once.
There’s also a clear connection between social media and peer pressure to use alcohol and drugs. Studies show that about 75% of teens surveyed have felt pressure to consume drugs and/or alcohol after seeing their friends post online about such activities.
Social media and mental health
On social media platforms, young people are exposed to more than just drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure combined with unrealistic views about life, as depicted online, can create mental health problems for teens.
Although the underlying causes of mental health issues are complex, research indicates that technology and media are aggravating factors. For example –
- After three weeks of limiting social media use to only 30 minutes daily, young people felt less lonely and depressed
- When young women viewed online profiles of women they believed were more attractive, they felt worse about their own appearance
- Those who use social media frequently are more likely to have feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation
- The risk of suicide increases by more than 70% when teens are online 5 hours or more daily
Social networking becomes a problem when young people use these sites as a coping mechanism to reduce stress, loneliness, and depression. These platforms provide constant rewards that users aren’t receiving in the real world.
So, they spend increasing amounts of time escaping from reality. This leads to multiple issues, including broken relationships, and missed work or school.
Although it’s hard to pin down the causes with certainty, some researchers believe that the online peer pressure for popularity – measured by counting ‘friends” and “likes” – is contributing to the rise of depression in teens. Others say that frequently viewing the supposedly-happier lives of influencers online may also feed depression.
Kids have access to drugs online
Beyond peer pressure, social media platforms are also a haven for online drug dealing. These platforms provide a meeting place for drug dealers and buyers, and they also offer a direct gateway to the “dark web” with even more dangerous marketplaces. Frequent news reports about overdoses have highlighted the dangers of online drug dealing.
Does your teen need addiction treatment including social media?
Checking social media accounts is a popular activity, and for most people, it isn’t problematic. Yet, the rising use of Facebook – Meta and other networks coincides with the spike in social anxiety and mental health disorders among young people.
As many as 10% of users become addicted to these platforms. For parents and other family members, it’s important to learn about the best ways to help teens who are struggling. The first step forward is to ask the right questions:
- Have a two-way conversation with teens about substance use, as well as social media addiction
- Ask a doctor or pediatrician regarding medical issues
- Talk with recovery professionals about treatment options for teen addiction
In spite of the negative consequences, internet usage still continues to rise. What can parents, schools, and communities do about the impact of social media on teen addiction?
Recovery through treatment is always the best option for young people. To take the next step toward a brighter future, contact us now.