The report, released by Common Sense Media and Hopelab, highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of social media. While platforms are valued for social connection, self-expression, and information, they also affect attention span, confidence, and overall happiness.
“Most discussions about social media and youth mental health focus solely on the harms, portraying young people as passive consumers. This research reveals a much more complex picture,” said Amy Green, head of research at Hopelab. “To truly improve young people’s well-being, we need to listen to their experiences and ensure we do not inadvertently remove access to crucial positive benefits.”
The report is driven by the national youth mental health crisis, marked by rising rates of mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and the increasing use of antidepressant medications among youth. Social media is often at the center of these discussions, although mental health issues have multiple contributing factors.
Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, the research involved 1,274 teens (ages 14 to 17) and young adults (ages 18 to 22) recruited online between October and November 2023. The participants provided input on survey content and took part in focus groups and interviews to help prioritize and interpret results. This report is the third in a series tracking social media’s influence on youth well-being.
The findings indicate that depressive symptoms among youth have decreased by about 10% from pandemic highs but remain high and comparable to 2018 levels. Nearly half of young people reported experiencing some level of depression, with about 28% having moderate to severe symptoms. Additionally, about half of LGBTQ+ youth reported moderate to severe depression symptoms, compared to nearly one-quarter of their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Youth with depression were more prone to social comparison and the pressure to present their best selves online. However, they were also more likely to find supportive resources and curate their social media feeds to enhance their well-being. This was particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth and Black and Latinx youth, who faced higher exposure to online harassment and stress.
“In focus groups, Black youth shared that their experiences with in-person harassment reduced their tolerance for similar behavior online, making them more willing to forgo benefits to protect themselves from hateful comments,” said lead researcher Amanda Lenhart.
The report also notes the positive aspects of social media, such as seeking support and advice, decompressing, connecting with loved ones, staying informed, and following favorite influencers. Social media also offers connection, creativity, and professional opportunities for Black youth.
Dr. Douglas Gentile, a distinguished professor of psychology at Iowa State University, cautions about interpreting self-reported data, emphasizing that people often do not fully understand the media’s effects on themselves.
Nearly one-fourth of participants reported using social media almost constantly throughout the day, a 7% increase from 2018. Many young people struggle to control their usage, find social media distracting, and unconsciously reach for it when bored. To counteract these behaviors, many have customized their feeds, taken breaks from social media, or deleted their accounts.
“Social media could offer more benefits to youth if designed with a primary focus on youth well-being rather than keeping them engaged for profit,” said Dr. Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer at the American Psychological Association.
Amanda Lenhart suggests that young people do emotional check-ins while using social media to assess their feelings and identify distressing content. Taking breaks from such content can be particularly helpful for those already struggling with depression.
For parents and guardians, maintaining open communication is crucial. Lenhart advises discussing what teens like about these platforms and how they support their mental health. It’s important to let teens know that parents are there to help find solutions if social media becomes distressing or interferes with other responsibilities.
“Respect that each young person is an expert in their own lived experience,” Lenhart said. “Young people are valuable teachers in their own right.”
