Social media is now part of nearly every adolescent's daily life but is it helping or harming their mental health? This paper reviews existing research to answer that question. It looks at how adolescents use social media, the benefits it offers (connection, support, self-expression), and the risks it carries (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, poor sleep). It also explores what makes the difference between a positive and a negative experience including screen time, type of activity, and parental guidance. The findings show that social media itself is neither good nor bad; what matters is how it is used. This review also highlights key gaps in current research and offers directions for future studies, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and researchers seeking a clearer understanding of adolescents' digital lives.
- Quote paper
- Anonymous (Author), 2026, The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1746067
