The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Youth

This research paper explores the effects of social media on the mental health of youth. It
examines the various platforms available, how they are used, and how they affect the
mental health of young people. The paper examines the negative effects of social media
such as cyberbullying, FOMO (fear of missing out), and the pressure to present an idealized
version of oneself. It also looks at the positive aspects of social media, such as its potential to
provide social support, access to information, and increased opportunities for self-
expression. The paper concludes that while social media can be a beneficial tool for youth, it
is important to monitor how it is used and to be aware of the potential risks and negative
impacts it can have on mental health.

Introduction
The development of social media over the past decade has drastically changed the way
people communicate. Most notably, the rise of social media has had a tremendous impact
on the mental health of youth. This paper will examine how social media use has impacted
the mental health of youth and the potential benefits and risks associated with it. It will also
explore the potential implications and solutions to address the mental health concerns of
youth, as well as future research opportunities.

Background

Social media use has become pervasive, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Studies have found that more than 90% of young people use social media, with the most
popular sites being Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat (Kuss and Griffiths, 2017). These
platforms offer users a variety of features which can be used to keep in contact with friends,
share pictures and videos, and follow news and trends.