Over the past 20 years, the digital landscape has been in constant evolution. With changes in social media over the past two decades, there has been one common theme: social media has reshaped how adolescents interact with the world.

For many high school students, social media platforms have become a central part of daily life. However, the endless scroll of content creates a concern that may lead to affecting the mental health of students.  

Mental health on the decline

In a recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, it was found that U.S. adolescents ages 12-15 who spend more than three hours daily on social media have a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues. This is concerning for parents given that in a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, it was reported that 35% of adolescents report using social media “almost constantly.” 

The mental health challenges associated with excessive social media use can stem from a variety of factors, such as the pressure to curate a “perfect” online persona, exposure to harmful content and the negative effects of comparison in regard to online profiles. Social media users often engage with posts that highlight idealized versions of others’ lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and low self-esteem. 

“I definitely do compare myself to others on social media but at the end of the day it doesn’t show how happy a person really is,” Dos Anjos said. “Comparing yourself to people you don’t even know really does you no good and isn’t realistic at all.” 

“Social comparison, where we compare our life to individuals to other people who may be doing better than you, [is particularly devastating],” Pankhuri Aggarwai, a doctor of psychology teaching at the University of Cincinnati, said. “This could be relationships, situations in life etc. Any form of validation starts to become attached to the sense of self. If you are not receiving enough validation you may feel like you are not enough.” 

The pressure to curate a perfect persona on social media is also particularly harmful to students. Teenagers are still forming their identities, and when that process is constantly being judged or liked online, it adds a layer of performance that’s psychologically exhausting.

“Research indicates there has been increased anxiety and depression due to social media,” Aggarwai said. “The constant comparison of an individual. Lots of people feel FOMO (Fear of missing out) because of social media. Often the good stuff is only depicted in a person’s [real] life.”

Social media affecting academic performance 

Excessive use of social media can significantly interfere with a student’s ability to perform academically. A study conducted by the University of Delaware reports that frequent social media users often see a drop in academic performance due to time displacement where time spent online takes away from homework, studying or even sleeping. Notifications and the urge to check apps also lead to fragmented focus, making it difficult to complete assignments efficiently.

“I definitely feel distracted when I’m trying to study,” Roya Dos Anjos, ‘26, said. “I’ll be reading and my phone lights up, and suddenly I’m watching TikTok for 45 minutes.”

“Social media affects attention span by training the brain to seek quick rewards and constant novelty,” Aggarwai said. “Students can become more impulsive and less able to delay gratification, which is key for academic success.”

A younger perspective

While high school students face many pressures with social media, younger users are entering the digital world too. Grace Sychay, ‘30, recently joined social media and shares how she navigates it differently.

“I use social media for about 60 to 70 minutes a day,” Sychay said. “I like Snapchat and TikTok because Snap is a way to connect with my friends, and on TikTok I can watch my friends’ videos and other funny ones.” 

As Sychay acknowledges the possibility of self-comparison when it comes to social media usage, she tries not to let comparison define her experiences in life. 

“I don’t really compare myself to others online,” Sychay said. “I try to keep an open mindset and live in the moment.” 

Sychay values the positive aspects of social media. 

“Sometimes it’s an easy way to reach out and spread awareness about a topic and you can help each other with assignments,” Sychay said. “I’ve reached out many times to ask a classmate about something I was confused with.” 

School settings combating the issue 

To address the growing distraction and anxiety caused by smartphone use, schools nationwide have begun implementing solutions like Yondr pouches– lockable sleeves that store students’ phones during the school day.

Dr. Kareem Moncree-Moffett, a Cincinnati Public Schools board member, told WCPO that Hughes High School experienced a 38% decrease in 9th grade failures.

Yondr pouches are meant to limit distraction; they help students reconnect socially in the real world, and create more natural interactions with peers during school hours. However, Dos Anjos believes the pouches are attempting to fix an issue that wasn’t there to begin with. 

“I never felt like my phone distracted me at school,” Dos Anjos said. “I never had my phone out during instruction time out of respect for the teacher.”

Many students struggle with phone use when outside of school, which is an issue each individual handles differently.

“[My phone] definitely distracts me from my schoolwork but, that is why [I] don’t sleep with my phone and keep it downstairs when I am studying,” Dos Anjos said.

Aggarwai doesn’t completely view phones as harmful in school settings, but believes schools should hold standards. 

“In terms of educational content; it can facilitate correlation and stimulate growth but we also see social media can be distracting,” Aggarwai said. “It can take time away from studying, etcetera. The key is to use it in moderation.”

Re-learning: Digital foot-print and responsibility 

An often overlooked consequence of heavy social media use is the permanence of a student’s online activity. 

“[Your digital footprint] can have a long-lasting impact on your identity and your privacy,” Aggarwai said. “When you’re applying for jobs, but you posted pictures from when you were younger, employers will see that.” 

An early social media presence can cause adolescents to experience misguidance which can affect them in the years to come.

“Children can make mistakes, and it doesn’t always show the type of person you are, but it can also definitely reflect your personality and morals if you are posting certain things,” Dos Anjos said.

In order for students to be fully aware of the consequences that they could potentially face, it is essential to educate them and provide them the opportunity to be fully informed about the dangers of social media. 

 “Social media is forever so I definitely think schools should implement some sort of lesson on it,” Dos Anjos said. “I was lucky enough to have parents that are also on social media that were able to monitor what I post.” 

Programs around digital literacy and online safety are beginning to emerge in some districts, as addressing the issue of social media usage is of increasing importance in today’s tech driven world.

“Social media has a complex impact on students’ mental health,” Aggarwai said. “We see both negative and positive effects on mental health. On the negative end there is social anxiety, comparison or feelings of inferiority. However, with the positive, we see connections, friendships and bonds formed.”