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Why are Teens Addicted to Social Media? What the Numbers Say.
Teenagers are the predominant consumers of social media, in numbers that, while not unexpected, are shocking. Common Sense Media reported that American teens average 7 hours and 22 minutes of screen time per day.
According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center:
- 95% of teens 13 to 17 said they had ever used YouTube
- 66% TikTok
- 62% Instagram
- 59% Snapchat
Majorities of teens use YouTube and TikTok every day, and one in five teens report using these sites almost constantly. More than half of teens say it would be difficult for them to give up social media, such is its compelling grip on their attention. And teens are more likely to say social media has had a negative effect on others than on themselves.
Majorities of teens report experiencing each of the four positive experiences asked about:
- 80% feeling more connected to what is going on in their friends’ lives
- 71% that they have a place where they can show their creative side
- 67% that they have people who can support them through tough times
- 58% that they are more accepted
What drives this behavior? Primarily it’s due to Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) combined with a state of almost constant connectivity that compels teens to constantly check their devices for:
- Social media updates
- News about their friends’ activities
- Social events
- Music
- Their social media role models’ and influencers’ activities
Three quarters of teens surveyed in 2016 by Common Sense Media felt compelled to immediately respond to texts, social media posts and other notifications. That number has surely grown.
Teen Social Media Addiction and Mental Health
Social media addiction is now a widely used term, especially with teens who are highly prone to influence and peer pressure.
The negative impact of social media overuse and potential addiction affects teens physically and mentally, often resulting in poor academic performance.
While there is no formal diagnosis of internet addiction, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) now includes a condition called Internet Gaming Disorder.
This reflects the heightened concern that many adults have about the rapidly growing and pervasive use of technology devices among children and teenagers. However there is still a lack of adequate research and this condition does not include problems with general use of the internet, online gambling, or use of social media or smartphones.
From a mental health standpoint, unhealthy intense social media use can disrupt how the brain normally manages dopamine, an important neurotransmitter involved with pleasurable feelings. Especially for younger users, this disruption can negatively impact their still-growing brains, potentially leading to impulsive addictive behaviors, disrupted sleep patterns and consequently poor mental health with increased anxiety and depression.
When Does Social Media Become an Addiction?
The greatest concern is whether there are underlying mental health issues for some teens, masked by high levels of social media use. Teens who have lost control over their screen time, neglecting other social activities, and with strained relationships and declining academic performance, exhibit a classic addictive pattern. For them internet use has upended their lives and may lead to depression and even suicidality.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and learning disorders can all lead kids to take refuge in online activities so it’s important to be aware if your teen has these issues.
However, as Dr. Matthew Cruger, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute says, “There are absolutely alarms to be sounded, but the vast majority of kids are engaging in screen-related behaviors that may not be either pathological or damaging.”
Social Media and Self-Esteem
The compulsive nature of social media use with its culture of comparison, especially among girls, can reinforce feelings of inadequacy and loss of self-esteem. And the constant quest for validation through likes and comments on social media has damaging results for some teens, just the opposite of its desired effect.
Effects of Social Media Addiction on Teens
Other negative effects of excessive social media use include a lessening of study time, loss of ability to concentrate on tasks that don’t provide immediate gratification and a decline in academic performance.
In addition, teens who prefer online interactions over real life socializing, neglect their social relationships with family and friends. This may lead to isolation, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
What to Do if Your Teen is Addicted to Social Media?
If you feel your teen is excessively using social media, or even possibly addicted, the key for parents is to:
- Understand what their kids are doing online,
- Set appropriate boundaries around screen usage
- Use parental controls to manage activity
- Encourage alternate activities such as hobbies, sports and face-to-face interactions
- Seek professional help if needed
Sources
Robb, M. 2016. What Parents Need to Know About Technology Addiction. Common Sense Media.
Vogels, E. and Gelles-Watnick, R.2023. Teens and social media: Key findings from Pew Research Center surveys. Pew Research Center.
Internet Gaming. 2023. American Psychiatric Association.Miller, C. 2023. Is Internet Addiction Real? Child Mind Institute.
Christine received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography with a minor in Philosophy from Texas Woman’s University, a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Louisiana Tech University, and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Wesleyan University. Christine approaches clinical work from a systems and narrative perspective. Looking at how each person’s values and world view affect and interact with others. When not at work Christine enjoys viewing and making art, knitting, gardening.
