Kerby Anderson

Yesterday I talked about social media and the teen brain. Today I want to talk about social media and its impact on teenagers’ mental health. An article in Axios reminds the reader that experts have been “increasingly warning of a connection between heavy social media use and mental health issues in children.” Apparently, there are lawsuits against social media producers that accuse them of contributing to a youth mental health crisis.

One of the experts quoted is Jean Twenge, who, I have quoted in previous commentaries. She is a psychology professor at San Diego State University and a leading expert on the subject.

Here are a few of her findings: “There is a substantial link to depression, and that link tends to be stronger among girls.” The amount of time spent on social media also has an effect. “The more time the teen, particularly a teen girl, spends using social media, the more likely it is that she will be depressed.”

Jean Twenge is probably best known for her book, iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy. She described how digital technology has shaped Generation Z, which is why she calls them iGen.

Social media harms teens in four ways. First, social comparison. Everyone else’s life looks more glamorous online. Second, displacement, because teens spend too much time online instead of with friends and family. Third, algorithms that prod them toward unhealthy content. Fourth is pornography, which is reaching kids at younger ages.

These recent studies should concern parents and provide them with sufficient motivation to control their family’s media input. Pastors and youth leaders should also take note and warn their congregation.