Social Media’s Double Edge: Teens Find Connection and Mental Health Resources Amid Rising Concerns

While rising rates of poor mental health among U.S. teens have sparked concern among parents, educators, and health professionals, new research paints a more nuanced picture of the role social media plays in adolescent well-being.

According to two comprehensive studies conducted by the Pew Research Center, teens are not simply passive victims of online platforms — many actively seek out connection, creativity, and mental health support through these channels. In fact, 74% of teens say social media helps them feel more connected to friends, and 63% find it provides an outlet for creative expression.

However, the picture isn’t entirely rosy. Nearly half (48%) of teens believe social media has a mostly negative effect on their generation — a notable increase from 32% in 2022 — even though just 14% think it negatively affects them personally. This divergence between perception and self-reflection highlights a cultural ambivalence: teens recognize the risks but often don’t see themselves as vulnerable.

A deeper dive reveals key gender and racial disparities. Teen girls are significantly more likely than boys to say social media damages their mental health (25% vs. 14%) and sleep (50% vs. 40%). Meanwhile, Black teens are both more concerned about mental health in general and more likely to use social media as a mental health resource — 49% say they at least sometimes seek mental health information online, compared with 35% of Hispanic teens and 30% of White teens.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord have become unexpected sanctuaries for marginalized groups. A study from the Trevor Project found that 53% of young LGBTQ people of color felt safe and understood on TikTok, with this sense of online safety linked to lower rates of suicide attempts.

Still, questions remain about the quality of mental health information found on these platforms. While 34% of teens say they at least occasionally seek out mental health content on social media, it’s unclear whether the content they encounter is accurate or helpful. Among these teens, 63% say social media is an important source of information — underscoring the role these platforms play, whether we like it or not.

The comfort gap between teens and parents further complicates the picture. While 80% of parents report being comfortable talking to their teens about mental health, only 52% of teens feel the same. Teens appear more likely to turn to friends or online communities than to trusted adults when navigating personal struggles.

Parents are more likely than teens to blame social media for worsening youth mental health. About 44% of concerned parents cite it as the top negative influence, whereas teens point to a broader mix of factors including bullying, academic pressure, and societal expectations.

What emerges from these studies is a paradox: social media simultaneously supports and undermines teen mental health. It provides tools for expression, connection, and even healing — while also contributing to anxiety, unrealistic comparisons, and sleep disruption.