Social Media Influences on Mental Health among Adolescents

The impact of social media on adolescents’ mental health is of great concern in today&s;s society. Social media use has been linked to negative mental health outcomes, such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. However, it may also have benefits. The impact on mental health depends on the type of content adolescents engage with, their approach toward it, and individual differences. In this chapter, we explain two psychological processes that are key in determining social media&s;s mental health effects: social comparison and self-reflection. These processes specifically help explain the effects of interactions with positively biased content, which is highly prevalent in adolescents’ social media feeds. By examining the impact of the positivity bias, this chapter aims to convey that social media cannot be simply categorized as “bad” or “good.” Instead, it highlights the need for a more accurate and nuanced understanding of social media&s;s influence on the mental health of adolescents. The chapter concludes by offering suggestions on how to move forward in order to gain this comprehensive understanding.