Is Social Media Making Depression Worse for Young People?

Social media has become part of our daily lives, but what happens when scrolling starts to hurt more than it helps? A new study out of UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that emotional overattachment to social platforms might be making depression and anxiety worse for young people.

Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the research focused on youth already receiving treatment for depression, suicidal ideation, or suicidal behaviors. Alarmingly, 40% of these individuals reported what researchers called problematic social media use. That means they experienced real distress, disappointment, discontent, or even anger when not on social media. And these feelings weren’t just fleeting; they were linked to more intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

What Does 'Problematic Use' Actually Mean?

Dr. Betsy Kennard, the lead author and a professor of psychiatry at UT Southwestern, explained that this kind of social media use mirrors characteristics of addiction. Think cravings, interference with day-to-day activities, and continued use even when wanting to stop. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Using data from nearly 500 patients between the ages of 8 and 20, researchers found a clear pattern: those reporting problematic use also had higher screen time and worse overall well-being. Importantly, this wasn’t just any group of teens, these were kids already dealing with significant mental health challenges. That makes the findings even more urgent.

Why This Matters?

We often hear that "everyone uses social media," and for the most part, that’s true. But this study highlights that not everyone is affected equally. While one person might scroll through TikTok to unwind, another might find it triggering or emotionally draining. Social media’s effects are not one-size-fits-all.

"The appropriate amount of social media activity isn’t universal," said Dr. Kennard. "But the signs of problematic use, like deception, disruption in relationships, and interference with daily life are red flags we can’t ignore."

What Can Be Done in Social Media and Depression for Young People?

UT Southwestern researchers are now working on tools to help families and young people manage social media more effectively. One approach involves creating a family social media plan where everyone agrees on limits and usage guidelines. The idea is to encourage healthier habits before real mental health issues take hold.

They’re also continuing to study how social media impacts mental health, hoping to develop better screening methods for early intervention. After all, identifying problematic use early could make a huge difference.

A Bigger Conversation

This study doesn’t call for quitting social media altogether, but it does challenge us to be more aware of how and why we use it. Are we connecting, or just comparing? Are we entertained, or feeling drained?

And perhaps most importantly, are we in control of our scrolling, or is it controlling us?

If you're noticing that social media is affecting your mood, your focus, or your relationships, it might be worth stepping back and reassessing your habits. Mental health should always come first.