Youth are both assisted and hindered by social media, according to a recent study.

Young people value online platforms for social connections, self-expression, and information, but also face the negative effects of social media on their attention spans, self-confidence, and happiness, according to a report released on Tuesday by Common Sense Media and Hopelab. This lab aims to support the well-being of young people through social innovation and impact investing.

Head of research at Hopelab, Amy Green, stated in a news release, "Most conversations and headlines surrounding social media and youth mental health focus solely on the harms, portraying young people as passive consumers. This research shows that it's much more complex."

The report addresses the national youth mental health crisis involving increasing rates of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and antidepressant medications prescribed to youth. While social media is often considered a contributing factor, mental health issues may stem from various sources.

Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, the study included 1,274 teens (ages 14 to 17) and young adults (ages 18 to 22) recruited online in October-November 2023. The participants provided feedback on survey content and contributed to focus groups and interviews to help prioritize and interpret results for the third report in a series about the influence of social media on well-being among youth.

The researchers found that the rate of depressive symptoms among youth is about 10% lower than pandemic highs but still high compared to 2018 levels. About 45% of young people reported experiencing any level of depression, and 28% had moderate to severe symptoms.

LGBTQ+ youth were more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression compared to non-LGBTQ+ youth.

Those struggling with depression were more prone to social comparison and pressure to present their best selves on social media. However, they were also more likely to find supportive resources and selectively curate their feeds to lift their spirits. These youth found comfort in online platforms, where they could surround themselves with content that made them feel good, block or flag inappropriate content, and engage with influencers or content creators.

Black youth experienced increased harassment and stress online, prompting a lower tolerance for similar behavior on social media and the value placed on the benefits.

These findings align with the work of many researchers, according to Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association, who wasn't involved in the study.

Participants revealed the advantages of social media, including seeking support and advice, decompressing, connecting with others who share similar interests, staying informed, and following their favorite content creators.

Nearly a quarter of the participants used social media constantly throughout the day - an 7% increase since the 2018 report. Some youth reported struggles with controlling their usage, social media interfering with other activities, and unconsciously reaching for their devices when bored. To combat these issues, they either customized their feeds or took breaks from the platforms that triggered the most distress.

The study suggests potential improvements for social media to provide more positive benefits for youth, with a focus on their well-being instead of user engagement for profit. Prinstein advised asking yourself, "How am I feeling right now? Did I see anything that made me feel sad?" to check your emotional state after using social media. Consider taking a break from distressing content, especially if you've struggled with depression.

Young people gained various positive experiences in social media, such as seeking support, decompressing, connecting with like-minded individuals, staying informed, and following their favorite influencers or content creators.

Lead researcher, Amanda Lenhart, highlighted the significance of social media for Black youth as a space for connection, creativity, and professional opportunities.

However, Dr. Douglas Gentile, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Iowa State University, cautioned against interpreting self-reported data with complete certainty. "People are surprisingly bad at actually knowing what the effects of media use are on themselves. I don't mean to say that anyone is lying. Just that we only see little pieces of how the media influence us."

The study identified several challenges faced by young users, such as losing control of their social media usage, being distracted by these platforms, and unconsciously checking their devices when bored. Some youth have considered taking temporary or permanent breaks from social media accounts to minimize any negative impacts.

Researchers hope that social media could offer more benefits to youth if designed with user well-being in mind, as opposed to prioritizing profit through user engagement.

To help mitigate potential harm, Dr. Prinstein proposed engaging in a brief emotional check-in. Ask yourself, "How am I feeling right now? Did I see anything that made me feel sad?" after using social media.

For those who struggle with depression, Lenhart further suggested considering a temporary or permanent break from content causing significant distress.

If you're a parent or guardian trying to handle your teenager's social media usage, one of the key things you can do is "keep the lines of communication open," as Lenhart suggests.

When it comes to letting your teen use social media, parents' involvement is crucial, because many young adults have expressed regret over their parents allowing them to use it so early in life. They wish they could go back and advise their parents to not cave in to their demands.

So, try to understand why your teen loves these platforms and what kind of connections or activities help them maintain positive mental health. Let them know you're available to help them find a solution if social media becomes distressing or interferes with their other responsibilities.

Remember, each teen is different and has their own unique experiences, so "respect their expertise," as Lenhart puts it. Teens can be valuable teachers in their own right.