Social Media Engagement and Adolescent Mental Health: A Multidimensional Review of Risks, Mechanisms, and Protective Factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66635/9q359d30Keywords:
social media, adolescents, mental health, cyberbullying, sleep disturbance, body imageAbstract
The rapid expansion of social media has significantly transformed adolescents’ social environments, raising critical concerns regarding its implications for mental health and psychosocial development. This study presents a comprehensive narrative synthesis of empirical research examining the relationship between social media engagement and mental health outcomes among adolescents. Drawing on a systematic review of 30 studies, the paper analyzes key outcomes including depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, cyberbullying exposure, sleep disturbance, and overall psychological well-being. The findings reveal that the impact of social media is complex and context-dependent. Excessive and passive forms of engagement are consistently associated with negative psychological outcomes, particularly through mechanisms such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and disrupted sleep patterns. In contrast, active and purposeful engagement is linked to positive outcomes, including enhanced social connectedness, peer support, and access to mental health resources. The study further identifies the critical role of moderating factors such as social support, coping strategies, and usage patterns in shaping these relationships. A key contribution of this study is the development of an integrated conceptual framework that explains how social media influences adolescent mental health through interconnected cognitive, behavioral, and social pathways. By moving beyond simplistic “harm versus benefit” perspectives, the study offers a more nuanced understanding of digital engagement. The findings have important implications for educators, parents, mental health practitioners, and policymakers in promoting healthier and more balanced social media use among adolescents. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and intervention-based designs to establish causal relationships and inform evidence-based strategies.
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