EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Social media is now a defining feature of modern adolescence, and it shapes the way young people connect, communicate, and construct their sense of self. This paper evaluates the influence of social media on adolescent mental health through a conceptual literature review that synthesizes findings from recent studies published between 2015 and 2025. Drawing on Social Comparison Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model, the paper explores both the beneficial and detrimental psychological effects of online engagement. Social media enables social support, self-expression, and identity exploration. However, it also exposes adolescents to cyberbullying, body image pressures, social comparison, and fear of missing out (FOMO), which may cause an increase in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. The review emphasises the importance of parental guidance, digital literacy, and structured interventions in promoting a balanced approach to social media use. By joining psychological and ecological perspectives, the paper concludes that healthy social media engagement depends on context, moderation, and the presence of supportive systems surrounding the adolescent.