How social media is shaping teen mental health and what we can do about it

KevinMD March 22, 2025
Ellen K. Feldman, MD

As social media’s influence has surged, so too has the debate over its effects on psychological well-being. Once envisioned as a means to connect communities and amplify self-expression, these platforms are now under scrutiny for their potential long-term impact on mental health—especially among adolescents.

During this critical stage of development, social interactions play a pivotal role in helping adolescents shape identity, influencing their sense of self and belonging. This can make them especially vulnerable to peer feedback, which, in the age of social media, can be pervasive. Adolescents on social media are exposed to a digital landscape where “likes,” “comments,” and “shares” serve as instant yet superficial measures of validation. The pressure to curate an idealized online persona can heighten...

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