The U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning about the detrimental effects of social media on youth mental health, especially adolescent girls. In an advisory, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the need for tech companies to implement safeguards for children who are at crucial stages of brain development
Key Findings on Youth Mental Health and Social Media Usage
- Survey-based data highlights the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.
- Adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face a doubled risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Increased social media usage contributes to poor mental health outcomes among youth.
- Findings emphasize the need to address the adverse effects of excessive social media exposure on adolescent well-being.
While acknowledging that social media does offer certain advantages, Murthy expressed concerns about its potential harm to children’s overall well-being and youth mental health. He described the current state as a national crisis in youth mental health, with social media playing a significant role that requires immediate attention.
The advisory highlighted various negative consequences of social media use, including body image issues, disrupted eating habits and sleep patterns, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly prevalent among adolescent girls.
Grounded on data obtained from a survey conducted among adolescents, the advisory revealed that those who dedicate over three hours each day to social media encounter a twofold increase in the likelihood of experiencing symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, ultimately resulting in adverse mental health effects.
Despite the potential drawbacks, the advisory also acknowledged that social media can provide a sense of acceptance, support during difficult times, connectivity with friends, and opportunities for creativity for most adolescents.
