• Teenagers with mental health conditions spend approximately 50 minutes more per day on social media compared to those without such conditions.
• Adolescents with internalizing conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD) are more prone to social comparison, mood shifts based on online feedback, and reduced self-control regarding social media use.
• The study suggests a complex, bidirectional relationship between social media use and mental health, emphasizing the need for tailored support and ethical guidelines.

A new study led by the University of Cambridge has revealed significant differences in how teenagers with mental health conditions engage with social media. The research, which analyzed data from 3,340 adolescents aged 11 to 19 in the UK, found that those with mental health conditions, particularly internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression, spend more time on social media and experience unique emotional challenges. This study highlights the complex relationship between social media usage and mental well-being in adolescents, raising important questions about the potential impact of online platforms on vulnerable youth.

• What: A study analyzing social media use among adolescents with and without mental health conditions revealed differences in time spent, online behavior, and emotional impact.
• Who: The study was led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, with data collected by NHS Digital from 3,340 adolescents aged 11-19 in the UK.
• When: The study was published in May 2025, with data analyzed from a survey conducted in 2017.
• Where: The study focused on adolescents in the UK.

This study underscores the complex relationship between social media and adolescent mental health. While it doesn't establish a direct causal link, the findings suggest that social media may amplify existing emotional challenges for vulnerable teens. The increased time spent online, coupled with heightened social comparison and sensitivity to online feedback, points to potential risks. Further research is needed to understand the directionality of this relationship and to develop targeted interventions for supporting adolescents' mental well-being in the digital age. The study's use of clinical assessments strengthens its findings compared to previous research relying solely on self-reported questionnaires.

Although our research does not prove that social media causes mental disorders, we see that teenagers with such problems use them differently.

Our study doesn’t establish a causal link, but it does show that young people with mental health conditions use social media differently than young people without a condition.

Social media platforms assign a concrete number to friendships, making social comparisons more conspicuous. For young people struggling with mental health conditions, this may increase existing feelings of rejection or inadequacy.

The Cambridge University study provides valuable insights into the distinct ways teenagers with mental health conditions engage with social media. The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness, tailored support, and ethical guidelines to mitigate potential risks. Further research is crucial to fully understand the complex interplay between social media use and adolescent mental well-being and develop effective interventions to ensure a safer online environment for all young people.