Social Media Addiction in Teens

Social media addiction or problematic use is a relatively new issue and hasn’t been formally defined yet. But it can be described as compulsive use of a social media platform that disrupts a person’s life. Studies point to six key signs of social media addiction:

1. Salience: How much does social media use dominate both a person’s thoughts and activities?
2. Mood modification: Does the person use social media to escape problems in other parts of their life?
3. Tolerance: Does a person need to use social media more often over time?
4. Withdrawal: Does a person experience psychological distress if they can’t use social media?
5. Conflict: Does social media use have a negative impact on a person’s schooling or job?
6. Relapse: Does social media use resume at the same level after trying to reduce or stop use?

These signs may be a useful tool for parents who care about the well-being of their children. If you see these signs of addictive behavior or problematic use, consider discussing your concerns with your child. Also consider reaching out to a mental healthcare professional.

According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center,  daily social media use among many adolescents is common. The survey found that daily use of social media varied depending on the platform. But overall use was very high. Almost one in six teens check YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat and Instagram “almost constantly.” 

How many teens are addicted to social media?

Social media addiction or problematic use can be difficult to measure. However, a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Foundation found that more than half of teens reported it would be difficult to stop using social media.

Read more about social media addiction statistics.

Teen social media use has a number of possible psychological effects. These include:

• Increased mental health issues: A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry found children aged 11-15 were more likely to experience mental health problems if they used social media for more than three hours a day.
• Poorer sleep and life outputs: Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, conducted an internal study that found the platforms’ negative effects on sleep, productivity, and relationships are signs of addiction.
• Increased incidences of depression and anxiety: Since 2010, symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness among teens have increased at the same time as an increase in the time teens spend on social media. Emergency room statistics involving self-harm, suicide attempts, and death by suicide also increased. These findings were part of a recent analysis of teen mental health.
• Decreased self-esteem: Studies on social media use in children and adolescents found a correlation between social media use, low self-esteem and poor body image.
• Poorer academic performance: A study that analyzed nearly 1,500 American students ages 11-15 found that their grades decreased as their social media use increased. The young people in the study used Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and X.

There are many explanations for why more and more teens are addictively using social media. These include:

• Intermittent rewards: Social media apps are often designed to “reward” teens at unpredictable intervals with likes and other positive social interactions. This system encourages them to keep using the platform, hoping to get more rewards.
• Attunement to social connections: Around the age of 10, children’s brains become more attuned to social attention and validation. This is exactly what social media feedback and connection mechanisms provide. The flip side of this is that social media sites are breeding grounds for fear of missing out (FOMO). Sadly, worries about missing out on interactions can drive compulsive use.
• Less impulse control: Teen brains are not fully developed. This makes them more likely to pursue rewards without thinking about potential consequences. 

Parents and lawmakers are concerned that social media platforms are exploiting these psychological instincts to foster addictive use.

If you’re concerned that your teen or child may be addicted or may become addicted to social media, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you:

• Establish reasonable limits on social media use and screen time
• Talk directly with your child about any concerning changes in behavior
• Monitor what your child does on their social media apps
• Set an example of good social media use
• Encourage offline time between your child and their friends

Are schools equipped to help with social media addiction or problematic use?

Most public school districts in the U.S. have mental and behavioral health services available. For many kids, schools are the first point for mental healthcare. About 20% of students use these services. 

Schools have seen an increase in social media-related mental health problems. This increase has led to more demand for counseling and support services, which puts a strain on school district budgets.

Several states have introduced legislation to address social media issues. Some of the proposed legislation addresses: 

• Equipping schools with better resources to deal with excessive social media use
• Enhancing restrictions on social media companies to protect children from potentially dangerous features in apps
• Preventing cyberbullying

Federal agencies are also considering resources for schools to address problematic use of social media. The Department of Health and Human Services set aside $2 million to help the American Academy of Pediatrics establish a National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellness. The center will research and share resources about social media’s mental health impact on children.

If your family has already experienced harm because of your teen’s social media addiction or problematic use, you may wish to pursue a social media lawsuit against the responsible company or companies.

A social media lawyer can speak with you about your options if you’re concerned about how TikTok, Instagram or other social media platforms have impacted your family.

For decades, Motley Rice attorneys have fought for people and families against corporate conglomerates that prioritize profits over safety. We are currently working on behalf of people who have been harmed by Instagram addiction and harm from other social media platforms. This may include people and their children who have experienced depression, eating disorders and suicidal behavior that was worsened because of social media.

Your well-being is important to our team. We can help you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit for problematic social media use or addiction.

Help for self-harm and suicidal behavior

If you or a loved one are in crisis, national resources can help immediately.

• You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. This free and confidential call will connect you with a trained staff member. You can also visit their website: 988lifeline.org.
• You can contact the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) toll-free number at 1-800-931-2237. The association’s website can also direct you to resources at NationalEatingDisorders.org.