Abstract:

The rapid growth of social media platforms has significantly transformed the social lives of teenagers and raised important concerns about their mental health. Adolescence is a critical period marked by the development of self-identity, social connections, and self-esteem. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, facilitate constant interaction and comparison among peers, often shaping perceptions of popularity and belonging. Given these factors, the widespread integration of social media into daily life has encouraged researchers to investigate its potential effects on anxiety and self-esteem among teenagers. This review aims to examine the various aspects of social media use that are connected to anxiety and self-esteem in adolescents. The study employs a systematic analytical review of existing literature focused on teenagers aged 12 to 19 years. Twelve studies were analyzed to identify patterns and differences in their findings. The results showed that both intensive and problematic social media use are often associated with higher levels of anxiety among adolescents. Additionally, passive engagement with social media, such as merely observing others’ content, appears to heighten the risk of anxiety. For example, viewing curated images and statuses can lead to negative self-comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. The findings related to self-esteem were more ambiguous. While some studies indicated a negative correlation between intensive social media use and adolescent self-esteem, others did not find a direct link. These results suggest that not only the amount but also the quality and context of social media interaction play important roles in shaping psychological outcomes among adolescents. Overall, the evidence points to a complex relationship between social media use and psychological well-being, influenced by multiple behavioral and contextual factors. Future research should utilize consistent longitudinal methods to more clearly determine the impact of social media on adolescent mental health