Does Social Media Cause Depression?

Scientific studies and social media companies’ internal research point toward social media use creating and increasing depression. The potentially dangerous impact of social media apps may be felt most acutely among young people.

Constant social media use among young people

While a majority of teens use social media platforms daily, the Pew Research Center found in 2022 that more than one in three reported being “on at least one [social media app] almost constantly.” The survey found the most frequently used social media apps/sites among adolescents include YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

Adolescent depression

A 2023 survey of American high school students found more than one in three couldn’t participate in regular activities because of “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.” Female students who reported high social media use were also more likely to have seriously considered suicide.

Social media as the culprit

A survey of young people found respondents overwhelmingly believed that social media is the driving force behind declining mental well-being among young people. A 2024 survey also found 46% of American teens believe social media takes them away from other activities that matter to them. 

Emerging science seems to clarify the effects of social media on kids, teens and young adults.

There are several potential ways social networks may cause depression in young people.

Cyberbullying 

Using social media apps can expose users to hostile behavior from other users. Studies have linked cyberbullying to symptoms of depression.

FOMO

FOMO, or fear of missing out, may be increased for young people who use social media. According to one experimental study, people who don’t limit or monitor their social media use may be more likely to experience depression, loneliness and anxiety.

Isolation

A 2017 study from England showed teens believe Instagram and Snapchat, in particular, can lead to loneliness. Another study found college students who cut back on social media use felt less social isolation.

Sleep deprivation

Research has shown a clear association between sleep deprivation and depression for teens. Young people who forgo sleep at night to use social media because of FOMO may be more likely to develop or worsen a major depressive disorder.

Social comparison

Around the time kids become pre-teens, their brains change in ways that make social interaction — in both attention and approval — more important to their well-being. One study found that “technology-based social comparison and feedback-seeking were associated with depressive symptoms.” This impact was stronger for girls and teens who described themselves as unpopular.

Social media companies do research on their users to understand how to keep them engaged and active on their platforms. The design of social media platforms — including the user interface, product features and recommendation architecture — are built to be habit forming, much like slot machines in a casino. 

Based on whistleblower documents, it appears that social media companies design their algorithms to keep kids engaged. The documents also suggest the companies did this despite knowing that their platforms were harming teen mental health.

What Meta knows about depression due to social media

Leaks of internal research done by analysts at Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — suggest a substantial negative effect on young people’s psychological well-being. According to these documents, internal researchers looking at Instagram’s potential harm found that teens' self-esteem and body image decreased as they compared themselves to others on the app. They observed that this could cause depression and anxiety, while also leaving them vulnerable to harmful content they might encounter online.

Internal documents suggest that Meta’s researchers believed that the following mental health conditions could be made worse by their platform:

• Body dissatisfaction
• Body dysmorphia
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Loneliness

It’s possible that additional information about what social media companies knew about the impact of their platforms will come out as parents file social media lawsuits.

If you’re a parent who is concerned about the mental well-being of a teen, here are some signs of depression to watch for:

• Angry outbursts
• Anxiety
• Fluctuations in weight, either loss or gain
• Lack of energy
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or sports
• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Repeated suicidal ideation or a fixation on death
• Sleep issues
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things

If you believe your child may be experiencing depression, it is important to seek medical intervention. A doctor may be able to work with you to identify the cause or factors that may worsen depression, such as social media usage.

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicide ideation, know that free, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you call 988. Visit the Lifeline online at 988lifeline.org.

Signs of social media mental health harms

Social media is part of many kids’ daily lives. Here are a few potential signs it’s becoming unhealthy:

• Excessive time spent online: Some studies indicate that spending more than three hours per day on social media can double the risk of mental health problems.
• Health issues (headaches, upset stomach): Excessive use may manifest as physical symptoms of stress, including headaches or indigestion.
• Isolation from family, friends and off-line activities: Kids might withdraw from in-person activities and relationships. Part of this can be an effort to hide the amount of time they spend on social networking sites. They may also be less inclined to participate in physical activity.
• Mood changes: Negative social media experiences like grooming and cyberbullying can cause kids to behave differently. Getting them to stop scrolling and put their smartphones away might also lead to mood changes.
• Problems at school: Unwillingness to go to school or struggles with grades can be signs of problematic social media use. 

Impact of social media-related depression on schools

While educating students is the primary mission for schools, they also have to navigate students’ mental health challenges. For some children, schools are the primary or only source for mental health care and intervention. These crises can be related to poverty, housing, substance abuse and other factors.

Social media-induced depression stretches school districts’ finite student mental health resources even further. Less than half of U.S. schools surveyed as part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s School Pulse Panel are confident they can meet students’ needs for mental health counseling.

In lawsuits filed against big tech companies, schools claim dealing with social media-related mental health issues harms their efforts to educate children.

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades fighting for families and people. Our experience includes representing people who sue tech companies because of harm they’ve suffered.

Your well-being is important to our team. Please contact us if you or your child have received treatment for self-harm, had suicidal thoughts, or were diagnosed with a mental health disorder related to social media. We can help you file a lawsuit for social media harm.

Read more about filing a social media lawsuit.