The truth about teens, social media and the mental health crisis
NPR Online NewsMAY 2023
Study: Social Media Affects Teens With Mental Health Issues More Than Peers
Above: A girl holds a smartphone in her hand. Image copyright: Helena Dolderer/picture alliance via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Social media significantly impacts adolescent mental health, with clear evidence showing increased depression and anxiety among users. The introduction of Facebook alone caused clinical depression in 2% of college students. Deactivating accounts improves well-being, making age restrictions urgently needed to protect younger people.
Narrative B
The relationship between social media use and mental health is complex and not necessarily causal. Time spent on social media alone does not directly increase anxiety or depression, as outcomes vary significantly based on how teenagers use the platforms. The focus should be on context and content rather than screen time.