When it comes to the relationship between social media and teen mental health, the conversation often leans toward the negative. Headlines have warned us time and again—social platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have been linked to poor body image, increased anxiety, and unchecked cyberbullying. In fact, Meta’s internal research famously found that Instagram worsened body image issues for one in three teenage girls. Even the former U.S. Surgeon General issued a stark advisory about the risks that social media use poses to the mental health of young people.
But a new study from the Pew Research Center adds nuance to the discussion, showing that social media might not be as uniformly harmful as we once thought. In some cases, it can actually serve as a lifeline—fostering connection, creativity, and even emotional safety for teens navigating an increasingly digital world.
A Source of Connection and Creativity
According to Pew’s findings, a significant 74% of U.S. teens say that social media helps them feel more connected to their friends. That statistic alone highlights a core reason why teens continue to engage with these platforms: they serve as vital social hubs. For many teens, especially in an era of remote learning and digital-first relationships, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are more than just distractions—they’re bridges to community.
Additionally, 63% of teens reported that social media gives them a space to express their creativity. Whether through photography, short videos, music, or digital art, these platforms offer unique opportunities for self-expression that might not always be available in traditional settings like school or home.
Online Communities Offer a Sense of Belonging
Social media can also play an especially important role for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ youth. A separate study conducted by the Trevor Project found that 53% of young LGBTQ people of color felt safe and understood on TikTok. Discord (43%) and Instagram (41%) followed closely behind. These platforms serve as virtual safe havens where individuals can connect with like-minded peers and access support that may not be available in their offline environments.
Even more striking is the mental health impact tied to these feelings of safety. LGBTQ youth who reported feeling secure in their online communities were 20% less likely to have attempted suicide in the past year. This correlation underscores how crucial digital spaces can be in fostering emotional well-being—especially for those who may lack support in their day-to-day lives.
Mental Health Resources—At Their Fingertips
Pew’s study also revealed that 34% of teens turn to social media to learn more about mental health, with 63% stating that it’s an important way they discover such information. While the accuracy and effectiveness of the content teens are consuming remain open questions, the fact that they are actively seeking out mental health resources is significant.
This trend is particularly noteworthy when juxtaposed with another finding: only 52% of teens said they felt “extremely” or “very” comfortable talking to their parents about mental health. In the absence of open conversations at home, social media becomes a crucial alternative for teens looking to understand their emotions, manage stress, and find community support.
Teens See Social Media’s Impact Differently—For Better or Worse
Interestingly, while many teens acknowledge that social media can be harmful, they tend to view those harms as affecting others more than themselves. Nearly half (48%) of teens said social media negatively affects people their age, yet only 14% believe it has a negative impact on their own mental health. This discrepancy may reflect a common psychological bias—assuming we are less affected by external influences than our peers.
However, the data doesn’t ignore the drawbacks. Pew’s research also found that social media use interferes with some important areas of teens’ lives. For example, 45% of teens said it hurts their sleep, and 40% said it disrupts their productivity. These trade-offs are important to consider in any discussion about screen time and digital well-being.
A Complex Picture That Defies Simple Conclusions
The takeaway from Pew’s research is clear: social media’s impact on teen mental health is complex and multifaceted. While there are legitimate concerns about the harm these platforms can cause, there is also evidence that they offer significant benefits—especially in terms of connection, creativity, and access to supportive communities.
As lawmakers and parents alike grapple with how to make the digital world safer for young users, it’s essential to recognize that social media isn’t entirely a villain in this story. For many teens, it can be a source of empowerment and emotional resilience.
The goal, then, shouldn’t be to demonize social media altogether, but rather to help teens engage with it in ways that maximize its positive potential while minimizing its risks.
