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Is A Scroll Really Just A Scroll?

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An article for a non-profit organization on
“The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health“
by Sarah Batakanwa, MS3

Let’s talk about something we probably use more than we’d like to admit: social media! You’re probably thinking, “Yeah, I know, I spend too much time on my phone.” Honestly, you’re not alone. As a matter of fact, did you know that people all over the world spend a hefty 11.5 billion hours per day on social media? (University of Maine, 2023) That’s a lot of scrolling, right? Whether it’s checking Instagram, scrolling through TikTok, or catching up on Snapchat, social media has become such a big part of our lives. But the bigger question is: How does all this time spent online affect our mental health – especially in teenagers?

Spending too much time on social media is known to increase anxiety and depression among youngsters: the constant pressure to gain likes, stay connected, and keep up with everyone else’s “highlight reels” can feel overwhelming. I mean, think about how much emotional energy is required to be “ON” all the time. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic (2024), teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face a higher risk of mental disorders. The endless need to get validation online can spiral into a cycle of negative emotions like low self-esteem, frustration, depression, etc., which leads to more scrolling to compensate for that self-doubt.

But when do we actually stop scrolling? Raise your hand if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a TikTok rabbit hole at 2 a.m.? Yep, my hand is up too! Sleep Medicine Reviews published a research confirming that digital media use, especially before bedtime, is associated with shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. (Brautsch et al., 2023) Consequently, teens who stay up too late checking their phones often feel exhausted, irritable, and unfocused the next day. Over time, this lack of sleep has been linked to shorter attention spans and lower academic performance. (Paulich et al., 2021)

Another tough aspect of social media is the way it invites us to compare ourselves to others. Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and thought, “Wow, everyone else’s life looks so perfect”? You’re definitely not alone. The “filtered” lives we see online can make it feel like we’re not doing enough or looking good enough. “An intensive use of social media is related to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, risky behaviors, and eating disorders,” said Vincente-Benito & Ramire Ramírez-Durán, in a study published in 2023. It’s often hard to remember that what we see online is only part of the story.

Despite its name, ‘’social’’ media can ironically make us feel isolated. Substituting face-to-face socialization for online interactions may undermine real-life exchanges and personal happiness, damaging real-world relationships. Eventually, that disconnection from friends and family can lead to loneliness and make it harder to feel grounded in the present moment. Paradoxically, some feel lonely despite constantly being shadowed by cyberbullies. Through hurtful messages, unkind comments, or public shaming, cyberbullying can cause lasting emotional scars. Unlike traditional bullying, it can occur at any time, making it inescapable for victims. A 2015 systematic review by Bottino et al. found that cyberbullying is linked to severe depression symptoms, substance use, and even suicide attempts among adolescents.

Nevertheless, social media isn’t entirely bad. As a matter of fact, when used wisely, it can have some great benefits, one of them being: how social media has helped normalize conversations about mental health. In recent years, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become spaces for mental health advocacy, with influencers and even celebrities openly discussing their struggles with anxiety, depression, and therapy. This shift has helped break down the stigma around mental health, making it easier for teens to acknowledge their emotions and seek professional help when needed. Movements like #MentalHealthAwareness and #SelfCare encourage open conversations and promote resources for coping with stress and anxiety.

Another positive aspect of social media is how it helps teens find similar people to connect with: whether they’re into gaming or fashion, there’s a community for everyone. It can provide a sense of belonging and validation for adolescents who feel marginalized in their offline environments. Take LGBTQ+ teens, for example. Research has found that LGBTQ+ adolescents often utilize social media platforms to form supportive networks, facilitating connections with peers who share similar experiences and identities. These online interactions offer a safe space for self-expression and community building, which can be a lifeline when real-life support is lacking. (Berger et al., 2021)

Social media also offers a fantastic way for self-expression! Teenagers get to share their thoughts, showcase their vibrant photos, and create fun videos that truly reflect who they are. This creative outlet can be so empowering, especially for young people who might be wrestling with self-esteem. The positive feedback from friends and followers can really boost their confidence!

The key is to use social media in a way that feels authentic and uplifting, rather than getting caught up in the pressure to fit in. When it becomes a source of stress, negativity, or unhealthy comparisons, it’s time to take a step back. But when it’s used thoughtfully, it can be a place for connection, creativity, and growth.

Remember, you don’t have to be perfect online, just be real. And if social media ever feels like too much, it’s okay to unplug and focus on the things that bring you genuine joy and peace. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology shows that participants who limited their social media use to just 30 minutes per day experienced significant decreases in loneliness and depression over a three-week period. (Hunt et al., 2018) Setting boundaries around screen time, being mindful of the content you’re consuming, and making time for real-life connections are all great ways to make social media work for you, and not against you.

Like anything else in life, social media is about balance.

Citations:

  1. American Psychological Association. Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence. Apa.org. Published May 2023. https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use.pdf
  2. Andreassen CS, Pallesen S, Griffiths MD. The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors. 2017;64:287-293. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.006
  3. Berger MN, Taba M, Marino JL, et al. Social media’s role in support networks among LGBTQ adolescents: a qualitative study. Sexual Health. 2021;18(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1071/sh21110
  4.   Brautsch LA, Lund L, Andersen MM, Jennum PJ, Folker AP, Andersen S. Digital media use and sleep in late adolescence and young adulthood: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2023 Apr;68:101742. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101742. Epub 2022 Dec 31. PMID: 36638702.

Sarah Batakanwa

‘Sarah Batakanwa is a medical student at St. James School of Medicine, originally from Ethiopia. Her passion for medicine was shaped through global volunteer experiences, where she witnessed disparities in access to care and developed a strong belief that quality healthcare should be accessible to all, adapted to each community’s unique realities.

Building on this perspective, Sarah developed a strong interest in adolescent mental health during her psychiatry clerkship, particularly in how social and environmental factors, such as social media, shape well-being. She is especially drawn to addressing these challenges in rural and underserved communities. As she pursues a career in medicine-pediatrics, she hopes to promote more open conversations around mental health and improve access to care for youth across diverse settings.”

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