The Hidden Effects of Social Media: Depression and Aggression in Adolescents

Abstract

According to the Pew Research Center (2023), in a recent survey, almost one-third of US teens said they used social media almost constantly. This high rate of social media use in teens can lead to a variety of problems, including increased prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and aggression. Research shows that adolescents who use social media excessively are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, such as sadness, low energy, and less sleep. These symptoms are also sometimes linked to higher levels of aggression, such as verbal and physical aggressive behavior. Some studies suggest that depression acts as a link between social media addiction and aggression, which helps explain why they are connected. While social media can have benefits, like communication and social support, using it excessively can lead to negative mental health outcomes. This paper investigates how social media overuse affects depression and aggression in adolescents aged 10-19. This paper reviews studies examining the relationships among time spent on social media, mental health, and aggressive behavior. Overall, this paper shows the importance of understanding the value of setting better daily social media habits for adolescents.