Perfect Storms and Double-Edged Swords: Recent Advances in Research on Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health

Because adolescents’ mental health concerns have increased in recent years, researchers have investigated the role of social media. Initial study focused on screen-time but recent methodological and conceptual advances have led to a more nuanced place as a field: recognizing that social media offers risks and opportunities that are as diverse as the adolescents experiencing them, with complex implications for mental health. We summarize recent research advances regarding specific positive and negative social media experiences, across 3 major research areas: body image and disordered eating, depressive symptoms and suicidality, and social media experiences among sexual and gender minority youth.