We have heard time and time that social media is bad for teens and causes depression and anxiety despite the lack of evidence supporting this fact. Even the Surgeon General in 2023 stated the lack of robust evidence stating social media was the cause of teens’ mental health issues. Motivation is a critical factor in determining the effects of social media. When teens use social media because they find it interesting or rewarding, it’s likely to make them happy. On the other hand, when they feel compelled, obligated, or pressured to use social media, it’s likely to make them feel worse. Social media is changing, companies are competitive, technology is addictive, and teen use is on the rise. Teen anxiety and depression are also on the rise, but one does not necessarily cause the other. As researchers would say, correlation does not equal causation. We cannot assume that social media is the cause of teen anxiety and depression. Yes, it can contribute, but it is not the cause. We still must educate our students on social media use. Many are the Alpha generation, those born in 2011 -2025, meaning they have always had social media and technology. However, this does not mean they know how to use it responsibly or understand the pitfalls.

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Marcia Berke, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following:

“Don’t Say Gay” – When Can We Say Gay? by Marcia Berke

What is Driving Youth Mental Health Problems? by Arianna Prothero

Creating a Student Care Cart within the Classroom by Melanie Sjoblom

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?