Impacts of social media use on youth mental health
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the current evidence on social media use impact on youth mental health. METHODS: Databases were culled using relevant search terms. Professional organization position papers and press releases were included. Information synthesized via narrative review. RESULTS: Current evidence has low to moderate methodological rigor; however, a clear correlation between excessive or problematic social media use and negative mental health outcomes has emerged. CONCLUSION: Although social media provides connection and support for some users, youth are at an increased risk for negative mental health outcomes in the context of excessive or problematic use.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Digital Mental Health Interventions
Social Media in Health Education
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Nurse Practitioner
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 15–23
- Publication date
- 24 February 2026
- Language
- EN