Teens with mental health concerns spend longer on social media, finds study 

Teens dealing with anxiety or depression often interact with these platforms in ways that leave them feeling worse (Image: Canva)

Are you aware that social media might be hitting some teenagers much harder than others, especially those dealing with mental health struggles? It’s easy to assume that all teens use apps like Instagram and Snapchat the same way. But that’s not the full story. If you’re a parent, educator, or someone who works with teens, you should know that some young people aren’t just spending more time online, they’re carrying more emotional weight when they do.

In the Netflix series Adolescence, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is driven to violence after being subtly bullied through coded emojis on Instagram, a scary example of how online interactions can deeply affect a teen’s mental state. A recent study published in the Nature Human Behaviour journal examined the social media habits of over 3,300 UK adolescents aged 11 to 19.

Researchers compared teens with diagnosed mental health conditions to those without, and the differences were eye-opening. The findings make one thing clear that social media doesn’t affect every teen the same way.

Also read | Social media's age limits won't protect your kids

For many teenagers, social media isn’t just a pastime, it’s a pressure point. Teens dealing with anxiety or depression often interact with these platforms in ways that leave them feeling worse. They’re more likely to compare themselves to others, feel discouraged by low engagement on posts, and avoid sharing their real thoughts.

If you’re supporting a teen through a tough time, don’t just focus on how much time they spend online, look at what they’re doing and how it’s affecting them. In contrast, teens with externalising issues (like conduct disorders) may use social media just as much, but their emotional reactions tend to be less intense.

Here are 7 things you should pay attention to:

• More time online: Teens with mental health conditions often spend more time on social media. But it’s not just about screen time, it’s about how that time is spent.
• Feeling isolated: Even with hundreds of followers, many feel disconnected. Online popularity doesn’t always translate to real connection.
• Emotional swings from feedback: Likes, comments, or the absence of them, can shape a teen’s entire day.
• Constant comparison: Seeing curated posts from others can leave teens feeling they don’t measure up.

• Hiding their real selves: Many teens avoid posting honestly, fearing judgment. What should be a space for expression becomes a mask.
• Different reactions for different conditions: Those with anxiety or depression are more emotionally affected. Teens with behavioural issues often aren’t as reactive.
• It’s more than just screen limits: Generic rules won’t work for everyone. Teens with mental health challenges need tailored boundaries, and more emotional support.