Social Media Harms Adolescents’ Emotional Well-Being

Social media occupies a central place in the lives of young people. A recent study reveals that its problematic use negatively affects the socio-emotional well-being of adolescents. The more time young people spend on these platforms, the more their emotional balance and social relationships suffer. Girls are particularly affected, with higher levels of excessive use than boys.

The results show that adolescents who use social media excessively see their self-confidence, ability to manage their emotions, and perseverance decline. Their sense of family, school, or friend support also deteriorates. Even aspects like gratitude, enthusiasm, or optimism are less pronounced among those who spend more than five hours a day on these platforms. Conversely, those who limit their screen time better preserve these essential psychological resources.

Young people who attempt to reduce their usage, although often unsuccessfully, show a heightened awareness of their dependence. This translates into better perseverance and more developed empathy, but also more problematic use, revealing an internal struggle between the desire to change and attachment to these habits.

The mechanisms at play are complex. Excessive use may reflect a difficulty in regulating one’s own behaviors, where immediate rewards take precedence over long-term goals. Furthermore, time spent online often replaces face-to-face interactions, weakening social and family bonds. The most vulnerable young people are those who, in addition to spending a lot of time on social media, face strong social pressure, such as the fear of missing out on important information or interactions.

Differences between girls and boys are also notable. Girls, being more sensitive to judgment and social approval, are more likely to develop problematic use. However, they score higher in empathy. Boys, on the other hand, show greater self-confidence, better emotional control, and a more optimistic outlook on life.

This study highlights the importance of addressing adolescents’ socio-emotional skills to help them better manage their relationship with social media. Strengthening their self-awareness, ability to regulate emotions, and perseverance could mitigate the negative effects of these platforms. Educational programs should incorporate modules dedicated to digital resilience, while parents could benefit from support to transform their homes into spaces of support rather than conflict.

Our References

Original Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-026-10402-6

Title: Adolescents’ Problematic Social Media Use and Socioemotional Well-Being: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Journal: Child Indicators Research

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Sena Öz Tatacak; Zülal Yar; Zuhal Elibol; Dilek Adıgüzel; Zeyneb Nur Koşar