Current Pediatrics Reports (2025) 13:22

[Link]

REVIEW

Health Benefits of Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults

Accepted: 31 July 2025

Abstract
Purpose of Review Although attention has increased on the negative aspects of social media use in adolescents and young
adults, social media can have health benefits. This review explores positive health aspects of social media and delivers guid-
ance to clinicians on how to balance attention to the negatives and positives of social media use.
Recent Findings Recent findings show social media can play an important role in social connection and identity development
in adolescents and young adults. The platforms are also important for mental health support and accessing health information.
Summary Clinicians should have open-ended conversations with adolescents and young adults to understand their social
media use patterns. They can use the American Academy of Pediatrics 5 Cs of media use and the family media plan to guide
conversations on social media use.

Keywords Social Media · Adolescence · Health Education · Social Connection · Identity Development · Mental Health

Introduction substance use and worsened sleep [6, 7]. However, there is
evidence that problematic social media use, characterized
Social media use is ubiquitous in adolescent life. Among US by symptoms including sleep disturbances, risky use, com-
13–17-year-olds, 90% use YouTube, 63% use TikTok, and pulsive use, or addiction, may mediate these negative asso-
61% of teens use Instagram [1]. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of ciations, calling into question whether social media itself is
11–12 year olds report social media use, and 11–12 year old driving these relationships or unhealthy engagement patterns
users have on average 3.4 social media accounts [2]. Social [4].
media use also increases as adolescents get older. From ages Parents are increasingly concerned about their adoles-
9 to 13, daily time on social media increases from 7 min a cents’ social media use. Screen time and social media are
day to 73 min a day [3]. the top two health concerns of parents [8]. The Surgeon
Although social media use can have both risks and ben- General’s advisory on parenting mental health highlighted
efits, past research has largely emphasized the negative technology and social media as the top two reasons parent-
consequences of social media use in adolescents. Adoles- ing is more difficult than it was 20 years ago [9]. 70% of
cent social media use has been associated with high rates parents are somewhat, very, or extremely worried that teens
of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders [4, 5]. Adoles- are wasting too much time on social media [10].
cent social media use is also linked to higher likelihoods of To address the issue of social media and technology, pedi-
atricians must communicate with adolescents about respon-
sible social media use and assess the different risks and/or
* Jason M. Nagata benefits that their adolescent patients encounter. Past studies
[Link]@[Link] have shown that adolescents prefer pediatricians who listen
1
Department of Pediatrics, University of California,
to their concerns and experiences [11]. When discussing
San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, sensitive subjects, such as sexual health and substance use,
San Francisco, CA 94143, USA adolescents also prefer physicians with a nonjudgmental atti-
2
Center for Digital Thriving, Harvard Graduate School tude [12]. The values of listening and nonjudgment can be
of Education, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA applied when discussing social media use with adolescents.
3
Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, 500 To do so, pediatricians can utilize the American Academy of
Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA

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 22 Page 2 of 8 Current Pediatrics Reports (2025) 13:22

Pediatrics 5 Cs framework. The framework asks physicians depressive symptoms, unlike other forms of communication
to consider the Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, and such as social gaming and voice calls [22]. Additionally,
Communication when evaluating media use in adolescents adolescents frequently turned to social media to help cope
and families [13]. Child refers to taking a child-centered with pandemic-related anxiety [23]. Humorous content,
approach when thinking about their reasons for using social particularly, helped adolescents cope with stress during the
media, and Content refers to what children are viewing pandemic [19].
[13]. Calm refers to how screen use may be used as a cop- Similar patterns have been observed in adolescents hos-
ing mechanism for emotions or for trying to fall asleep [13]. pitalized for mental health treatment. Hospitalized adoles-
Crowding Out is about what is displaced by digital media cents could utilize social media to maintain relationships
use, and whether adolescents are crowding out activities with classmates, friends, and family [24]. Teens reported
such as sleep, physical activity or in-person connection [13]. that maintaining relationships with friends could offer emo-
Communication refers to communication between caretakers tional support during hospitalization [25]. Beyond maintain-
and adolescents about digital media use [13]. ing relationships, these adolescents also turn to social media
This review aims to fill literature gaps by exploring recent as a means of emotional distraction from negative thoughts
evidence on the potential benefits for adolescents that can [25]. This suggests that social media can help foster social
come from social media use. It focuses on current ways ado- connection for adolescents hospitalized with mental illness.
lescents utilize and experience social media, while exclud-
ing experimental interventions on adolescent social media Identity Formation, Support, and Acceptance
use (e.g., adult-designed interventions using social media
as a platform to reach adolescents). The review can inform For marginalized adolescents, social media offers a way
discussion points to begin conversations with adolescents to connect with other peers who share similar identi-
and their parents regarding social media use, acknowledging ties [26–28]. Sexual minority adolescents are more likely
potential benefits adolescents may experience. The review than heterosexual adolescents to seek community and
may also allow clinicians to tailor individualized social support through online groups [29]. In interviews, these
media guidance to parents and adolescents to maximize the teens describe how social media enables them to connect
benefits of social media use while mitigating the harms. with peers, offer mental health support, and express their
identity [30, 31]. Surveys of sexual minority adolescents
Improved Mental Health through Social Connection found that they use social media for emotional support [32].
LGBTQ + youth also feel more comfortable expressing
Social media can help adolescents maintain and build new their identity online compared to in person [28]. Consistent
social connections with peers. Focus groups report that teens with these findings, a large-scale survey found that social
use social media to keep in touch with peers from primary media use is linked to higher feelings of social capital among
school. For teens whose classmates live far apart, teens sexual minority adolescents [33]. Sexual and gender minor-
describe social media as an important way to keep in touch ity adolescents who feel safe online were also less likely to
[14]. Teens specifically describe group chats as fostering experience symptoms of anxiety and attempt suicide [34].
a sense of belonging [14]. Similarly, adolescent girls who Social media also serves as an important platform for
spend more time with close friends on WhatsApp and Ins- racial and religious minority adolescents to build commu-
tagram reported stronger friendship closeness [15]. Adoles- nity. A majority of youth see comments affirming different
cents specifically identified Instagram as a key platform for racial and ethnic identities on social media [35]. Black and
maintaining and expanding new friendships [16]. Broader Hispanic teens are more likely than White teens to view
studies support these findings, showing a positive correla- social media as a key space for creative expression and con-
tion between social media use and feelings of connectedness nection [36–38]. Latino teens report that social media offers
[17]. Notably, the type of engagement matters: active par- a way to connect with others in their community [37]. Focus
ticipation on social media, such as engaging with posts, is groups with Muslim adolescents in Australia revealed that
associated with reduced loneliness, while passive use, such these platforms enable them to stay connected with com-
as doomscrolling, does not show the same effect [18]. munities, including nearby friends and relatives abroad [39].
Social media helped adolescents stay socially connected Similarly, adolescents with chronic and rare diseases uti-
during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns [19], which limited lize social media to connect with others online and combat
face-to-face interaction. Teens reported using social media isolation. Those with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
to keep in touch with classmates and friends [20]. During report using social media to befriend others with their con-
the COVID-19 pandemic, video chats, which can occur on dition and to better understand their condition [40], while
social media platforms, were tied to feeling more connected adolescents with Sarcoma report using social media to
and less lonely [21, 22], and were even associated with lower maintain preexisting friendships [41]. Patients with Type
Current Pediatrics Reports (2025) 13:22 Page 3 of 8 22

1 diabetes report using social media to connect with other often post about their own health and share health-related
adolescents with their disease. Teens with diabetes say social content with others on these platforms [54].
media helped accept their diagnosis and normalized their Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has
condition [42]. served as an important channel for experts to communicate
Social media may also promote acceptance of margin- public health information and share updates [55]. Adoles-
alized groups. In one experiment, when individuals were cents who spent an hour or more a day on social media were
exposed to Facebook profiles of either transgender, schizo- more likely to consistently wear masks, indicating a poten-
phrenic, or disabled users, they had more accepting attitudes tial role of these platforms in successfully conveying public
toward those groups [43]. health messages [56].
Despite concerns about its role in promoting unhealthy
Mental Health Destigmatization and Support eating habits, social media may also serve as a powerful tool
for promoting healthy behaviors among adolescents. Insta-
Adolescents and young adults often disclose mental health gram and Facebook have been highlighted as key platforms
struggles online, offering an avenue to identify mental health that promote healthy eating in adolescents [57]. A content
struggles in adolescents. Analyses of Facebook and WeChat analysis of adolescent social media content on Instagram
posts indicate adolescents often share their mental health revealed a positive portrayal of fruits and vegetables [58].
symptoms on these platforms [44, 45]. Similarly, adolescents Furthermore, qualitative interviews suggest that participa-
with depressive symptoms are more likely to disclose nega- tion in social media-based fitness communities can motivate
tive emotions online [46]. This suggests that social media adolescents to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles [59].
could serve as a useful tool for healthcare providers to iden- TikTok, in particular, is preferred by adolescents seeking
tify or diagnose depression in adolescents. information on healthy lifestyles and weight management
Celebrity disclosures of mental health challenges can play [60]. Adolescents also prefer to use TikTok and Instagram to
a crucial role in reducing stigma. One survey found that find social connection with others on weight loss and healthy
celebrity discussions about depression may foster greater lifestyles [60].
acceptance and spark more open conversations about mental Adolescents and young adults may seek sexual and repro-
health [47]. Additionally, viewers are more likely to sympa- ductive health information through social media, particularly
thize with celebrities who they see as similar to themselves, when societal taboos create barriers to accessing this knowl-
which can further normalize mental health discussions [48]. edge elsewhere. Peer-generated content on TikTok includes
Adolescents may turn to social media to access informa- discussions about birth control, abortion, and miscarriage
tion and support when facing mental health challenges [49]. [61]. Research indicates that adolescents who engage with
Semi-structured interviews with teens reveal that they turn this content demonstrate higher levels of knowledge regard-
to TikTok for coping strategies and a safe environment to ing contraception and HIV/AIDS [62], and racial minority
discuss their mental health experiences. Teens reported that youth who are exposed to social media information on sexual
the app also encouraged them to seek mental health help health were more likely to adopt protective behaviors, such as
[50]. Rural youth experience greater online social support using condoms and other forms of contraception [63].
compared to urban youth [51]. Many of the videos shared Although social media contains many health-related
on TikTok feature personal experiences from therapists who resources for adolescents, content accuracy may be a con-
have treated patients or teens who have experienced mental cern. An analysis of nutrition-related Instagram posts found
health struggles firsthand [52]. This underscores the role of nearly half of all posts contained inaccuracies [64]. Simi-
social media in offering valuable emotional support to teens. larly, online content involving reproductive health frequently
Importantly, although teens viewed TikTok as an important included misleading risks on medical procedures and rec-
tool for mental health help, most of them did not view the ommendations that did not align with professional guide-
platform as a replacement for professional mental health lines [65]. While health misinformation may be a problem,
help [50]. adolescents are often discerning about social media health
content [66]. They often remain skeptical of sponsored con-
Health Education Benefits tent, and some adolescents independently fact-check health
information they learn from social media [66].
Social media has become a popular tool for adolescents
seeking health information. While YouTube is the most pop- Clinical Implications
ular platform for health information, teens also turn to other
platforms such as Facebook and Instagram for health educa- Social media use can have important benefits for adolescents.
tion [53]. In addition to gathering information, adolescents The American Psychological Association acknowledges the
 22 Page 4 of 8 Current Pediatrics Reports (2025) 13:22

Table 1  Applying the 5 Cs to discussions on social media with adolescents

Child—Understanding what drives children to use social media Asking adolescents about their motivations to use social media, such as
to find community online or find entertainment
Content—Understanding what content children watch on social media Asking adolescents what content they consume on social media and
explaining to adolescents how screen time quality can vary
Calm—Understanding how children fall asleep at night Asking adolescents about bedtime screen use and identifying other ways
to fall asleep
Crowding Out—Understanding how media use impacts the ability to Working with adolescents to understand how screen time crowds out
engage in other activities other activities and finding non-screen activities to replace screen time
Communication—Maintaining communication with adolescents Encouraging periodic discussions with caregivers and adolescents on
screen use

importance of social media use for health education [67]. the frequency content is consumed, and boundaries. For
Physicians can support families to adopt a nuanced and example, while adolescents may come across health infor-
individualized approach when counseling adolescents and mation on social media, this information may be inaccu-
their families about social media use, utilizing the 5 Cs: rate. Discussions between parents and adolescents can foster
Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, and Communication better relationships regarding screen and social media use,
[13] (Table 1). and they can teach adolescents to use social media more
Physicians should understand adolescent motivations responsibly.
to use social media and their consumption habits on social One way to encourage these discussions is to encourage
media. These make up the Child and Content of the 5 Cs. parents and children to set up a family media plan, which
Physicians should ask adolescents about their motivations includes individualized guidance for each household. The
for using social media, such as finding a community online family media plan acknowledges there is not a one-size-
or seeking entertainment. They should also ask adolescents fits-all solution for screen and social media rules, and can
what content they consume on social media and explain to be personalized based on children’s ages, what electronic
adolescents how screen time quality can vary. For marginal- devices are in the household, and the family’s needs for
ized youth, who may turn to social media for identity affir- communication and schoolwork. An adapted version of the
mation and community-building, counseling should address family media plan specific to adolescent social media use is
both the value of online community and the need for safety shown in Table 2.
and privacy online. Additionally, given adolescents’ use
of social media as a health information source, physicians
should also emphasize the importance of evaluating the Conclusion
accuracy of information and advice accessed through social
media platforms. While there are considerable concerns regarding the nega-
Physicians should work to find balance online and offline tive impacts of social media on adolescents, it also serves
time. The Calm and Crowding Out of the 5 Cs emphasize the as a vital resource for adolescents and young adults. Much
importance of responsible screen use. Although social media of the current research conducted on social media use has
use may help youth find community, physicians should ask relied on focus groups and qualitative interviews, which can
adolescents about bedtime screen use and identifying other be vulnerable to reporting bias. Observational studies and
ways to fall asleep. To reduce screen use, physicians should objective tracking of social media may be needed to bet-
work with adolescents to understand how screen time inter- ter understand social media use. Research has shown that
rupts other activities and find non-screen activities to replace social media engagement varies by race, gender, and other
screen time. social factors, and future studies should explore how these
Finally, physicians should encourage adolescents and par- demographic differences impact the positive outcomes asso-
ents to discuss social media use on a regular basis (Table 1). ciated with social media. Overall, social media can be an
Past studies indicate encouragement by pediatricians was important tool for adolescents to find social connection, seek
associated with increased reported communication between social support, and gain access to health information. Physi-
adolescents and parents [68]. Topics between adolescents cians can adopt a nuanced approach to addressing adolescent
and parents can include the content adolescents consume, social media use.
 Current Pediatrics Reports

Table 2  Family media plan components adapted to adolescent social media use
Social media balance Communicating with social media Digital privacy and safety Social media free zones and times Choosing good content
(2025) 13:22

Tracking social media use Talking about the ways social media Trying to avoid oversharing Keeping meals social media free Being more intentional about content
can affect mental health consumed on social media
Participating in other activities in Knowing when and how social Avoiding social media land mines, Keeping bedrooms social media free Prioritizing creative, educational,
our community media is inappropriate or harmful rabbit holes, and inappropriate at night prosocial, and positive content
content
Having fewer social media apps on Communicating with adults about Exploring privacy settings and set- Holding off on social media use Making a plan for spending money
our devices online harassment and bullying ting them at the highest level of until age 13 or older, with parent online
security support
Setting time limits on social media Respecting others on social media Setting and following safety rules for Having a plan for devices at school
and ensuring use doesn't interfere chatting on social media
with other activities
Realizing when we turn to social Choosing which days of the week
media to dull our own emotions, are OK for social media
and finding healthier ways to cope
Playing apps and games or watching Having a homework-and-screens
videos together as a family plan
Using only one screen at a time and Avoiding social media use before
turning off media that isn't being school
used
Silencing phones by putting them on
"do not disturb" during family time
and playtime
Page 5 of 8
22
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