Experts from a variety of fields, including scientists, educators, mental health specialists, policymakers, and parents, have expressed growing concern about the potential negative effects of technology and social media on young people's mental health and well-being.

Researchers who are looking into how social media platforms function have just published findings that seem to indicate that algorithms are aggressively focusing on teen mental health vulnerabilities in order to increase user engagement and monetize the platform.

According to research published in December by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), TikTok's algorithm exposes potentially dangerous content to young users every 39 seconds. The study claims that TikTok automatically suggests relevant videos after a young user reads and likes content on body image, mental health, or weight loss. Within 30 minutes of users joining the platform, TikTok began pushing videos about eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide to account holders who were pretending to be 13-year-olds.

Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, stated in a New York Times article that "the pathways into extreme content were so innocuous." "Your eye might be drawn to a video of an idealized body wearing lovely clothes, and the algorithm quickly recognizes you're interested in body image." From there, people start viewing information that promotes excessive diet advice and harmful body ideals, Ahmed stated.

Ahmed compared it to being trapped in a room full of warped mirrors where he was continually told he was ugly, unqualified, and that he should kill himself. The most hazardous messages are literally being sent out to young people.

A rising number of groups and authorities are attempting to hold social media firms responsible for harm being done to teen mental health in response to the CCDH findings and others. Seattle Public Schools sued TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snap earlier this month, claiming that these companies are "exploit[ing] the vulnerable brains of youth" for financial gain, which is contributing to the teen mental health crisis in the United States.

Mental health Effects

As per research, using social media in excess might lead to feelings of discontentment, loneliness, and inadequacy. It diverts young people, interferes with their sleep, and exposes them to peer pressure, bullying, rumors, and inaccurate perceptions of other people's lives.

Research findings from two separate studies conducted in 2019 suggest a potential link between excessive social media use and mental health concerns among adolescents. A U.S. study involving over 6,500 individuals aged 12 to 15 revealed an increased likelihood of mental health issues among those who spent more than three hours daily on social media. Similarly, an English study with over 12,000 participants aged 13 to 16 found an association between using social media more than three times a day and poorer mental health and well-being among teenagers. These findings highlight the potential negative impact of excessive social media engagement on the mental health of young individuals.

Research suggests a link between increased social media use and depression, especially among adolescent girls. Cyberbullying affects nearly 60% of young people, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Addressing this issue through education, awareness, and intervention is crucial to protect the well-being of young people in the digital age.

Guidelines for Safe Social Media Use

Not all social media is negative. It gives them a means to interact socially, get emotional support, and connect with people who share their interests. Therefore, it may be unreasonable to explicitly forbid social media use in your family, given that more than 80% of adolescents and teens do so.

However, there are measures parents can take to promote wholesome use:

Set an Example

Parents should consider their own tech usage patterns before advising their children to set time limits for using devices and social media. Parents serve as examples. They can educate their kids about the advantages of spending quality time offline and forming genuine relationships.

Limit younger Children's Access

Limit the age of initial use as much as you can to give your child the chance and time to form positive interactions with their classmates and learn coping mechanisms for anything they might encounter online.

Promote Participation in Offline Activities

Sports, music, volunteering, and other things that children are passionate about help them develop their abilities, relationships, and self-esteem. Negative images on social media are less effective when teenagers and young adults feel good about themselves.

Set Boundaries

Guide your children towards a balanced approach to social media, ensuring it doesn't disrupt their daily activities, sleep patterns, mealtimes, or academic commitments. Ask them to think about removing social media apps from their phones, turning off notifications, or leaving their devices at home to help them resist the temptation to check social media frequently.

Observe your Children's Online Activity

Make sure to follow through on your promise to your teen to regularly check their social media accounts. 

Explain what’s not OK!

Nurture a sense of responsible digital citizenship in your child. Encourage them to uphold kindness and respect, both in real-life interactions and in the online world. Guide them towards responsible social media practices, discussing what information is appropriate and safe to share. If they encounter cyberbullying or online targeting, assure them that you are always there to listen and provide unwavering support.

Meeting with Friends Outside Teenagers and adolescents typically spend a lot of time texting or using social media apps for social interaction. Remind your youngster that they can meet up with friends or invite friends over. If you can, offer transportation. You can help your teen stay safe online by being cautious and attentive. You might want to get support from a mental health professional if you are worried about how much time they spend on social media and how it affects their well-being.