INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON MENTAL HEALTH IN ADOLESCENTS – LITERATURE REVIEW

Michał Niespodziewański; Lilianna  Jasińska; Patrycja  Szczygielska; Sylwia Hejna; Weronika Teterycz; Gabriela Zimka; Łukasz  Jaworek; Krystian  Bjorgen; Weronika Goździejewska; Weronika  Smutkiewicz

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5555

Authors

Michał Niespodziewański Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0937-1549
Lilianna Jasińska University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0819-8922
Patrycja Szczygielska Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2063-3165
Sylwia Hejna Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6313-3067
Weronika Teterycz Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7486-458X
Gabriela Zimka Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3954-7307
Łukasz Jaworek Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8117-5644
Krystian Bjorgen Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0225-7439
Weronika Goździejewska Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5302-1883
Weronika Smutkiewicz Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4965-1903

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5555

Keywords:

Social Media, Mental Health, Adolescent, Depression

Abstract

In this era of rapid technological advancement, and consequently the rise of social media, these platforms have become an integral part of adolescents’ daily lives. Adolescence is a unique period characterized by lower sensitivity to criticism and a stronger need for acceptance by others; therefore, excessive and inappropriate use of social media can have negative consequences. These include the risk of developing depression and anxiety, as well as reduced self-esteem. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of adolescents. In our study, we considered both the positive aspects and the negative impact on development and mental health. To obtain high-quality and up-to-date data, we conducted a literature review using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on studies published between 2020 and 2025. A detailed analysis of the studies we selected—including ABCD, HBSC, and LIFECOURSE—highlights the complexity of the topic and the need to evaluate it on multiple levels, taking into account various factors influencing the results. The studies we analyzed demonstrated that intensive social media use during adolescence often correlates with higher levels of social anxiety and depression. This problem particularly affects girls, who are more vulnerable to the negative public health effects of social media use. In addition, the “LifeOnSoMe” study confirmed that negative experiences with social media are more strongly linked to the onset of mental health disorders than the amount of time spent using social media. However, the results of a study conducted in the UK suggest that, when socioeconomic status is taken into account, the impact of social media use on mental health is reduced. The most important protective factor in preventing the onset of mental health disorders induced by social media use is parental support and the development of appropriate digital hygiene.

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