The Negative Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Development and Mental Health

Adolescents seek acceptance and self-discovery in a myriad of ways. Currently, social media is a platform for these endeavors. About 81% of adolescents report using social media, and 67% report using it at least once a day. The purpose of this research was to conduct a literature review to evaluate significant life problems that are influenced by social media, such as depression and suicidal ideation. Another goal was to determine the impact of these factors and their influence on overall adolescent mental health. The methods used in this research included conducting a literature review to find articles that were published within the past five years to identify the most recent and relevant findings. Searches were guided by keywords such as “social media,” “depression,” and “adolescents.” Research articles from different countries were not excluded because social media is a relevant influence on adolescents worldwide. The articles used in this research met the inclusion criteria of having an effect generated by social media that influenced either mental or developmental health. A literature review table was developed in this research project to summarize and organize the negative influences generated by social media. These negative factors included high risk sexual behaviors, depression, narcissism and decreased self-esteem. The table included findings from each article, and several included a proposal for future research related to a lack of knowledge in the subject area. The table also identified the article’s worth in practice. After conducting this research, it is indisputable that social media generates many negative effects on adolescent mental health and development.

However, this research also found a research gap in the literature that demonstrated this subject has not been thoroughly researched. An example of a question left unanswered by the research objectives was the long-term negative effects of social media on adolescents’ mental health and developmental growth. Due to the fact that the definitive effects of social media on the mental health and developmental growth on adolescents cannot be proven, further research is required to better understand this subject. Developmental changes resulting from social media may be assessed through a study on academic performance. The negative effects identified in this research could be examined in a study that evaluates changes in academic performance due to social media influences.