What the Study Found
A recent study from the University of Cambridge reveals that teens with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, tend to use social media differently compared to their peers. These differences can have a serious impact on their emotional well-being.
Key findings include:
- Teens with mental health challenges spend around 50 minutes more each day on social media
- They are twice as likely to compare themselves to others online
- They feel less satisfied with their online friendships
- Their mood is more sensitive to likes, comments, and feedback
This doesn’t mean social media causes mental health issues, but it highlights how vulnerable teens already struggling can be to the emotional effects of digital life.
Differences by Mental Health Condition
- Teens with anxiety or depression tend to:
- Scroll longer
- Compare themselves more often
- Feel discouraged after receiving fewer likes or reading negative comments
- Scroll longer
- Teens with ADHD and similar conditions also spent more time online, but showed fewer emotional reactions to feedback or comparisons
These differences suggest that each mental health condition shapes how teens respond to digital environments.
Why This Matters
Not all teens use or experience social media the same way.
For teens with emotional challenges, even simple online interactions can contribute to stress, self doubt, or feelings of exclusion.
Understanding these patterns helps parents, teachers, and caregivers become more aware of the emotional cues linked to social media use and mental health.
What Parents and Educators Can Do
- Talk about comparison and how it feels to scroll
- Watch for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or mood swings after screen time
- Create space for open conversations without judgment
- Encourage offline activities that build confidence and social skills
These steps can make a big difference, especially when started early and practiced regularly.
Final Thought
Social media is part of teen life, but for those facing mental health challenges, it can quietly amplify emotional struggles.
By recognizing the signs and asking the right questions, adults can support teens in navigating digital spaces with more resilience and self awareness.