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Social Media and Mental Health in Adolescents

Hussein Chahine

Final Draft
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Social Media and Mental Health in Adolescents

Introduction

Social media has become an integral part of adolescent life, providing platforms for

interaction, self-expression, and inquiry. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat are

essential to adolescents. However, this integration has generated worries regarding youth mental

health. Adolescence, a crucial time for identity formation, increasingly takes place online. Social

media offers new opportunities and problems. As adolescents traverse this complex landscape,

social media's impact on mental health becomes a major study topic. This study examines the

complex relationship between social media and teenage mental health. It seeks to understand

how positive and bad online interactions affect youth mental health. Moreover, it examines

crafted online personas, cyberbullying, and other online experiences to better understand today's

youth's digital dilemma. Thus, it is essential to analyze the complex interaction between social

media and teenage mental health to provide useful insight into how social media affects teenage

mental health.

Positive Impact and Social Support

In the recent years, the effect of social media on mental health has increasingly gained

attention and studies. Social media platforms allow people to connect, express themselves, and

share information. However, these platforms lead to depression, loneliness, and other mental

health issues.Another important part concerns social comparison. Social media usually shows

glossed pictures of successful individuals’ lives as they always present moments of happiness

and flawless looks for their audience. Repeated exposure to such stereotypes causes a person to

compare his own life negatively with them and therefore experience dissatisfaction,

unhappiness with himself, low self-esteem and even depression.

Social media's positive impacts, especially in creating teenage social support networks,

must be acknowledged despite its negative effects. Social media platforms are where teens
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interact, express themselves, and find shelter in the ever-changing digital scene. Despite

concerns about social media's impact on mental health, these platforms can have a significant

positive impact, especially in creating teen social support networks. Teens can freely

communicate their opinions, feelings, and challenges on social media. In these online forums,

young people meet peers with comparable issues, creating a sense of belonging that may be
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lacking offline. These tools help them connect over shared experiences, reducing loneliness

(O'Reilly et al., 2022). Teens, especially those with mental health concerns, find empathy and

support, boosting their self-esteem and resilience.

Emotional affirmation is one of social media's greatest benefits. Teens obtain affirmation

and encouragement from online peers through likes, comments, and encouraging messages.

Positive affirmations and empathic comments can help combat online hostility (Richtel &

Flanagan, 2019). These acts of compassion boost self-esteem, confidence, and agency in teens.

In an atmosphere where self-esteem is weak, positive reinforcement is essential for mental and

emotional health. Additionally, social media sites provide mental health resources as well as

socializing. Mental health awareness online groups offer helplines, treatment, coping methods,

and success stories of others who have overcome similar issues (O'Reilly et al., 2022). These

clickable tools allow teens to seek help, acquire coping skills, and connect with mental health

specialists. Knowledge sharing in these communities removes boundaries, delivering critical

information to people who need it.

Social media connects teens to mental health professionals, counselors, and support

groups across borders. Professionals use these platforms for online counseling, awareness
Porschia Baker
2023-12-09 03:06:28
campaigns, and help. Talking to specialists about mental health support networks reduces the
--------------------------------------------
Making the discussion about the
positive impacts tangible, what is one
stigma of getting help. Young people with mental health issues can get lifesaving information on
concrete example that relays (or
shows) the youth's engagement with a
social media. Social media boosts mental health success stories in addition to individualonsupport
professional any of these platforms?
Include an example will make the issue
tangible
(O'Reilly et al., 2022). These forums fight negativity with motivational posts, successandstories,
credible.

and affirmations. Social media stories of resilience, healing, and personal progress empower

teens to feel they can overcome obstacles. However, negativity dominates social media,

overshadowing positive exchanges. Despite its potential for connection and inspiration,
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platforms are full of negative content that makes teens feel insecure and anxious. Cyberbullying,

unattainable beauty standards, and social comparison create a toxic environment that

overwhelms people. Positive posts meant to elevate and encourage often get lost in this

bombardment. Negativity destroys self-esteem and mental health, creating stress and loneliness.

Negative Impact and Cyberbullying

As the digital world grows, cyberbullying has become one of the most prevalent and

pervasive online challenges. The detrimental impact and prevalence of cyberbullying are

worrying concerns in the field of social media's impact on adolescents. While providing

opportunities for interaction, the internet can sometimes lead to negative encounters.

Cyberbullying, a widespread internet phenomenon, entails harassing, intimidating, and

humiliating others. Due to their rising social media use, adolescents are especially exposed to

this type of abuse. Hurtful comments, rumors, and threats are all examples of cyberbullying.

Such experiences can damage self-esteem and cause emotional pain, anxiety, and depression in
Porschia Baker
young people (Keles et al., 2019). Social media harm goes beyond cyberbullying.
2023-12-09 02:57:18
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For MLA format, the page in which the
sources
By encouraging unattainable beauty standards and frequent comparisons, are listed
social media should be titled
"Works Cited" page and the in-text
citations should include the author's
platforms unintentionally increase societal pressures. Self-doubt traps adolescents
last name as and
theypage number if available
. Including the date in an in-text
navigate self-discovery and identity-building. On social media, others' regulated anda cover
citation, idealized
page, and using the
word "reference" (instead of "Works
Cited) is part
lifestyles provide an unrealistic standard for success and pleasure. Teens commonly of APA format.
struggle

with inadequacy, physical dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem (Barry et al., 2017). The constant

quest for likes, comments, and shares cements their self-esteem in the fickle world of online

acceptance. This constant need for approval fosters a cycle of stress, anxiety, and mental illness.

The addictive nature of social media threatens teenage mental health in the digital age. Constant

notifications, excessive scrolling, and fear of missing out (FOMO) impair sleep habits, leading

to
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sleep deprivation and mental health issues (Keles et al., 2019). Teens are especially vulnerable to

sleep deprivation, which can lead to anxiety and despair. Their need to stay connected online

prevents them from relaxing, rejuvenating, and doing offline activities that promote holistic

growth.

Various parties must work together to address cyberbullying and its detrimental effects.

Education must include comprehensive digital literacy initiatives to teach kids how to

appropriately use the internet. Open discussions regarding online experiences help youngsters

feel supported and understood and thus help reduce the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and

self-esteem issues (Richtel & Flanagan, 2019). Parents and guardians are crucial in this regard

as they are closest to the individuals. Social media networks must prioritize security, content

filtering, and ethical design. These platforms should also provide mental health support services

to distressed users quickly.

Social Media Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Porschia Baker
Social media has revolutionized communication and information sharing in the
2023-12-09 digital
03:13:56
--------------------------------------------
This information is important, yet it can
age. These platforms have many benefits, but mental health issues are particularly difficult.
benefit from expansion. What do you
want people to concretely understand?
Social media addiction, which harms mental health, is a major issue (Barry Why
et al.,is2017). Social
it signficant?

media addiction, like substance addiction, involves compulsive behavior, withdrawal symptoms,

and inability to stop despite negative consequences. Addiction typically worsens or causes

mental health illnesses like anxiety and sadness.

Virtual affirmation, comparison, and fear of missing out (FOMO) can increase feelings of

inadequacy and reduce self-esteem. The pressure to maintain an idealized online identity can also

cause stress and worry, worsening mental health. Social media risks like cyberbullying
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exacerbate these difficulties. Online harassment can cause sadness, social anxiety, and suicidal

thoughts (Keles et al., 2019). Recognizing the complex relationship between social media

addiction and mental health is crucial. Individuals, families, and policymakers must comprehend

these processes as society becomes more intertwined online. To make the internet safer, we need

to take on a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders.

Porschia Baker
C's Personal Experience 2023-12-09 03:13:40
--------------------------------------------
Why are there subtitles between the
C's narrative, as told by Richtel and Flanagan (2022), shows how thebody
internet affects(BP)? Instead of
paragraphs
headers, the body paragraphs 1st and
last sentence
teenage mental health. C's story begins on social media, where many teens spend bridge the connection
their days.
between BP.

Initially, the online platform allowed self-expression and socialization. What began as a simple

exploration became a terrifying ordeal. C, who is gender non-binary, had early puberty, which

brought attention, shame, and vulnerability. C found consolation and connection online but also

experienced the dark side of online interactions. C became engulfed in social media's complex

web of comparisons, judgments, and affirmations (Richtel & Flanagan, 2019). They made

acquaintances, received accolades, and were harassed with obscene photographs and naked

photo demands. C felt helpless and confused about how to react to the unpleasant experiences. C

developed serious depression and self-harm from incessant negativity.

The story explores cyberbullying as C navigates social media. C endured constant insults,

gossip, and threats. C's emotional pain increased since the internet's anonymity shielded abusers.

Cyberbullying causes anxiety, depression, and loneliness. C's despair and self-harm worsened

after this online harassment (Richtel & Flanagan, 2019). While providing connections, the

internet exacerbated their mental health issues by generating negative emotions. C's story

illustrates the challenges teens confront online.

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Coping became difficult as C's mental health declined. Anxiety, sadness, and self-harm

increased alongside teens, signaling a mental health crisis. C found both comfort and anguish on

the internet, sometimes blamed for worsening these troubles. Despite obstacles, C persevered.

Through therapy and self-discovery, they recognized the dangers of online overuse (Richtel &

Flanagan, 2019). C discovered strength and agency in their nonbinary identity and genuinely

expressed themselves on social media. Self-awareness and therapy can mitigate online harm, as

shown by this shift. Understanding and resolving the intricacies of digital adolescent interactions

is essential to creating a safer, healthier online environment for vulnerable people like C.

Empowering Adolescents and Digital Literacy

Empowering adolescents with digital literacy skills is essential for them to effectively

navigate social media in the digital age. Digital literacy includes critical thinking, emotional

intelligence, and online ethics. Adolescents need these abilities to recognize and combat

unwanted social media impacts. Critical thinking should be emphasized in digital literacy

programs to help teens evaluate information, sources, and online content (O'Reilly et al., 2022).

This involves teaching them to discern genuine posts from falsehood,

thereby promoting informed decision-making. Teaching online etiquette, such as respectful

communication and empathy, creates a pleasant online environment.

Teens must learn how to spot and stop cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. They

can resist online negativity by recognizing toxicity and adopting coping techniques (Richtel &

Flanagan, 2019). Adolescents should be taught to empathize with others and show kindness even

in difficult situations. Media literacy education helps teens distinguish between idealized and real

media messages. They can acquire healthy skepticism toward excessive beauty standards and

impossible lifestyles offered online by recognizing the commercial and social incentives behind
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content development. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs help teenagers manage

emotions, sympathize with others, and form meaningful relationships, which are essential for

social media use.

Parents, educators, and teens must work together to achieve digital literacy. Parents

should encourage open communication with their children to help teens discuss their online

experiences and seek advice (Barry et al., 2017). Additionally, educators can integrate digital

literacy into the curriculum by providing structured learning experiences that provide teens with

practical skills.

Conclusion

This study examines social media's complex effects on adolescent mental health and

recognizes it as a powerful influence. The research reveals an empowering and dangerous

digital ecosystem where social media is a double-edged sword. It offers a sense of belonging

and support, uniting teens in ways never before possible. Mental health patients find refuge in

online groups. This digital world casts long, dark shadows. Cyberbullying, social comparison,

and addiction stifle potential. Pressures on adolescents cause stress, anxiety, and mental health

concerns. To teach adolescents to use the internet critically and compassionately, educators,

parents, and mental health experts must work together. Additionally, social media networks are

responsible. Security, content filtering, and ethical design can reduce the negative impact and

promote self-expression and emotional safety. We must convert the digital landscape into a safe

space for adolescents to explore, interact, and grow without compromising their mental health.

Thus, we can create a world where social media nurtures adolescents' minds and spirits by

combining technology and empathy.

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References

Barry, Christopher T., et al. "Adolescent social media use and mental health from adolescent

and parent perspectives." Journal of Adolescence, vol. 61, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1–11,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.08.005.

Keles, Betul, et al. "A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression,

anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents." International Journal of

Adolescence and Youth, vol. 25, no. 1, 2019, pp. 79–93,

https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2019.1590851.

O'Reilly, Michelle, Diane Levine, et al. "Exploring the potentially positive interaction

between social media and Mental Health; the perspectives of adolescents." Clinical

Child Psychology and Psychiatry, vol. 28, no. 2, 2022, pp. 668–682,

https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221106573.

Richtel, Matt, and Annie Flanagan. "A Teen's Journey into the Internet's Darkness and

Back Again." The New York Times, The New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022,

www.nytimes.com/2022/08/22/health/adolescents-mental-health-technology.html.