Murray, NEB- Social media has become a constant presence in the lives of young people. It is the first thing many check in the morning and the last thing they see before falling asleep. While it has undeniably changed communication for the better in some ways, it has also created serious mental health challenges that can no longer be brushed aside. Social media platforms must take more responsibility for the well being of their users, especially in teens and young adults.
There are real positives that come from social media. It offers a sense of community and connection for people who might otherwise feel isolated. It allows users to express themselves creatively, share important experiences, and build networks across distances that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. For young people facing mental health struggles, finding others online who share their experiences can provide comfort and even save lives. Social media can be a tool for education, awareness, and encouragement.
However, the negatives are just as powerful as the positives, and often far more dangerous. Studies always link heavy social media use to increased rates of things such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self esteem among teens and young adults. Much of this comes from the constant comparison to carefully handpicked images of other people’s lives, leading users to believe they are falling short. Instead of feeling connected, many end up feeling left or insufficient.
I have experienced this effect firsthand. There was a period of time where I found myself constantly scrolling through instagram from late at night into the early morning. At first, it seemed harmless, just a way to catch up with friends and trends. But, over time, it started to feel like everyone else was living a better, more exciting life than I was. Even though I knew those photos were either staged or filtered, or both, it didn’t stop the feeling of self doubt. What started as a casual habit slowly chipped away at my confidence, which left me feeling anxious and incomplete after every scroll. It was a clear example of how easily social media can shift from a tool for connection and communication to a source of stress and unhappiness.
Beyond comparison, the addictive nature of social media also damages mental health. Apps are intentionally designed to be as engaging, and as hard to put down, as possible. Infinite scrolling, likes, shares, and notifications create a cycle that rewards staying online for hours. This leads to disrupted sleep, decreased concentrations, and heightened stress. Even worse, there’s constant exposure to cyberbullying, hate speeches, and harmful content can cause lasting emotional scars, without the user even realizing it at first.
Social media companies are fully aware of these dangers. Yet, most continue to design their platforms in ways that put profits over people. Their goal is simple: keep users engaged for as long as possible, no matter the cost of metal health. Features meant to protect users, such as time warning or content filters, are usually hidden, optional, or overall ineffective.
There is no longer enough to hope that users will simply “be careful”. Real change needs to happen at the platform level. Companies must design algorithms that prioritize well being over engagement. They must provide real tools for users to monitor and manage their time online. Stronger action must be taken to eliminate cyberbullying, hate speech, and other toxic behaviors that are allowed to thrive in comment sections and private messages.
In addition to that, platforms should be required to partner with mental health organizations to offer immediate support to users who are struggling. This could include crisis helplines, mental health check ins, and links to therapy resources built directly into the apps themselves.
Social media isn’t going away, and it shouldn’t. It has the potential to be a powerful force for good, but if the companies that run these platforms continue to ignore the harm they are causing, the mental health crisis among young people will only get worse.
Protecting users should not be a marketing strategy or an afterthought. It must be a fundamental responsibility. Teens and young adults deserve better than platforms that view their struggles as collateral damage. It’s time for social media companies to step up, accept responsibility, and finally put people before profits.
