Social Media: Real Cause of Teenage Depression

A social media profile exists for nearly 77% of Americans. Even though platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram are meant to bring people together, the prevalence of cyberbullying, poorly curated content, and a lack of interpersonal face-to-face relationships are causing some teenagers to exhibit signs of anxiety, depression, and isolation.

So, is it true that teens who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience depression or anxiety? Recent research has demonstrated that teenagers do suffer negative effects such as loneliness and depression following instances of online bullying and excessive use. To make things easier, we're sharing new information about the links between excessive use of social media and mental health issues, as well as some advice for preventing teens from becoming addicted to the internet. 70% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 now check their social media accounts more than once per day. Teens who know how to use technology are aware that a lot of people use Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat to show a polished version of themselves. Additionally, some teens are better than others at recognizing face-perfecting filters and can distinguish staged photos from real ones.

However, Instagram posts of celebrities or friends appearing thinner, wealthier, happier, and more attractive also have the effect of bringing out insecurities, anxiety, and depression in vulnerable teenagers who are prone to comparing themselves to what they see online. Intentionally produced content, on the other hand, has the same effect. Young women, who are constantly bombarded with images of the ideal body or lifestyle, are particularly susceptible to these self-doubts.