Key Takeaways Key Takeaways

  • Rising Mental Health Concerns Since 2012: Research links the surge in social media use since 2012 to increased rates of Depression, Anxiety, and loneliness among teens. Despite these findings, it took over 10 years for a call to action, which has now come from the U.S. Surgeon General, who is advocating for social media warning labels to address these significant mental health issues.

  • Even More Hidden Dangers: Experts report that social media use contributes to negative body image issues and sleep disturbances among teens. They also highlight the risks of untrained advice from “mental health influencers” and the harmful effects of consuming negative content. 

  • Social Media Warning Labels Proposal: The U.S. Surgeon General’s call for warning labels on social media platforms drew mixed feedback. While some see it as necessary, tech companies and others argue it infringes on free speech and constitutes government overreach. 

Social Media Warning Labels: Experts Share Their Perspectives

Beginning in 2012, when social media usage by teens began to surge, so did concerns surrounding the connection between social media and the increasing mental health issues among young people. Studying this correlation in 2017, San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge sparked significant debate in the field of psychology with her alarming findings. Twenge was taken aback by the 2012 mental health data for teenagers. She predicted a looming mental health crisis, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, suggesting that smartphones and their associated social media use were the culprits. She proposed a theory: “smartphones were used by the majority of Americans around 2012, and that’s the same time loneliness increases.”

On June 17, 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those now mandatory on cigarette boxes. Dr. Murthy’s warning did not come out of the blue. Last year, his office issued a rigorously researched 25-page advisory titled “Social Media and Youth Mental Health.” The takeaways from the advisory were frightening and convincing. Much of the evidence he cited concerns higher risks of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and body image issues, especially among heavy users of social media. 

What makes social media dangerous today is the misinformation that is often put out. People who are not experts in mental health become ‘mental health influencers,’ and teens and adolescents may turn to them for help rather than professionals, especially in areas of depression and anxiety.

Lori Goldman, MS Ed, LPC, NCC, CCTP

Nicholette Leanza, LPCC-S, generally concurs with the advisory’s findings as she has observed similar trends in her own practice. “Based on my experience, I would have to say the most common mental health issues linked to social media use would be anxiety, negative body image issues, and sleep disturbances,” Leanza states.  

She notes that youth struggling with anxiety often compare themselves to their friends’ posts on Instagram, which can exacerbate social anxiety. Unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media contribute to the negative body image issues she frequently encounters in her teen clients. Additionally, she highlights a troubling trend of sleep disturbances among teens, as many spend hours scrolling through social media late into the night. 

Lori Goldman, MS Ed, LPC, NCC, CCTP, also generally concurs with the advisory’s findings and highlights another significant danger of social media she observes—influencers who dispense advice without proper training, leading young people to heed their guidance over that of professionals:  

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“What makes social media dangerous today is the misinformation that is often put out. People who are not experts in mental health become ‘mental health influencers,’ and teens and adolescents may turn to them for help rather than professionals, especially in areas of depression and anxiety. Those same individuals may also be diagnosing themselves or someone else incorrectly based on what they hear/see online.” 

It seems clear that the relationship between social media and mental health has only continued to worsen, and it is of paramount importance to be knowledgeable on how problematic social media content can manifest.  

Goldman, who practices therapy in the Jersey Shore area, has seen students struggle with the aftermath of three suicides in their school district. The suicides led some students to post tributes and mental health videos on TikTok to help one another. However, some students said that being overloaded with videos, especially video tributes, was very triggering for them as they felt they could not grieve their loss.  

Additionally, in the aftermath of other traumatic events, such as weather disasters or violent incidents, survivors often feel invalidated when they see posts from people who do not truly understand their experiences.  

While I don’t think that social media is the sole cause for anything, I do think that it can be a contributing factor, and that it should always be shared that social media is not a replacement for professional help.

Lori Goldman, MS Ed, LPC, NCC, CCTP

The Surgeon General’s op-ed calling for social media warning labels has received mixed feedback. While the research findings are alarming and demand action, some industry experts offer a more measured approach. For example, Leanza recognizes the value in social media and supports an alternative to Dr. Murthy’s proposal to place warning labels on social media. According to her, “Not all social media is evil and a behemoth of doom. Kids use social media for all sorts of different reasons like for schoolwork, connecting with friends, entertainment, and staying informed.” She believes we should focus on teaching our young people appropriate digital literacy skills to empower them to navigate social media responsibly. These important skills will also benefit them as adults. 

Lori Goldman, on other hand, urges caution. “While I don’t think that social media is the sole cause for anything, I do think that it can be a contributing factor, and that it should always be shared that social media is not a replacement for professional help.” 

In his proposal, Dr. Murthy urges Congress to enact legislation aimed at safeguarding children. On a more personal level, Dr. Murthy speaks to the parents of young children who are at-risk for developing unhealthy connections to social media. He calls on families to take action by establishing no-phone zones and to work with their peers in developing real-life connections for their children, so they do not have to rely on the internet for friendship.  

If you or someone you know would like to address mental health issues related to social media, find a LifeStance therapist near you today to book an appointment.  

References:  

Murthy, Vivek H. (June 17, 2024). Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html.  

Twenge JM, Campbell WK. Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Prev Med Rep. 2018 Oct 18;12:271-283. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003. PMID: 30406005; PMCID: PMC6214874. 

U.S. News & World Report (June 17, 2024). Tobacco-Like Warning Label for Social Media Sought by US Surgeon General Who Asks Congress to Act. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-06-17/surgeon-general-calls-on-congress-to-require-social-media-warning-labels-like-those-on-cigarettes. 

Authored By 

LifeStance Health

LifeStance is a mental healthcare company focused on providing evidence-based, medically driven treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Reviewed By

Nicholette Leanza, LPCC-S

Nicholette is a faculty member at John Carroll University’s Clinical Counseling program, and she is also the host of the LifeStance podcast, Convos from the Couch.

Contributed By

Nicholette Leanza, LPCC-S

Nicholette is a faculty member at John Carroll University’s Clinical Counseling program, and she is also the host of the LifeStance podcast, Convos from the Couch.

Lori Goldman, MS Ed, LPC, NCC, CCTP

One of the greatest gifts in life we can give is time and energy to others, and it is a privilege to be able to do so as your therapist. After working as a high school teacher, I realized that my passion was connecting with people on a more personal level to help them achieve their full potential. I became a school counselor and I later transitioned to practicing as a full-time psychotherapist to do so, where I have been for the past seven years.

As a counselor, I feel it is imperative to create an environment which enables clients to truly express what their thoughts and feelings are; a person must feel comfortable in their therapeutic setting. Counseling does not need to be a fear-provoking or anxiety-inducing experience; rather it should be a place a client looks forward to going to become the best version of themselves possible. I have vast experience in working with survivors of trauma, children and teens, members of the LGBTQ+ population, and first responders; enjoy using various therapeutic modalities with clients, including Cognitive Behavior, Mindfulness, Emotion Focused, Solution Focused, and Psychoanalytic Therapies, among others.

I achieved my BA in English and Secondary Education from Montclair State University. Both my Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Certification in Professional Counseling were obtained through Monmouth University. In my free time, I enjoy being at the beach (no matter the season!), cooking, binge watching a good show, and reading.