Psychologist Explains: Social Media’s Toll on Teen Stress & Anxiety

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2025

Social media fuels teen stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, creating a constant pressure cooker.

Unrealistic online lives drive teen comparison and anxiety.

Social media is a significant source of anxiety for teenagers. While it offers connection, it also imposes relentless pressure and comparison, impacting mental well-being.

• Endless comparison on social media fuels teen anxiety.
• Self-esteem becomes tied to likes and shares.
• Fear of missing out (FOMO) and blurred life boundaries add to stress.
• Academic pressure exacerbates these issues, demanding a flawless online persona.
• Developing digital literacy and resilience is key.

How does social media affect teenagers’ self-esteem? According to psychologist Christie Saju, teens at a crucial identity-forming stage encounter skewed realities online. They see highlight reels of friends’ successes, leading to “compare and despair.”

Social media fuels anxiety in teens, blurring lines between real and online life.

“Self-esteem can become dependent on external validation, like likes or shares,” Saju stated. This digital world also intensifies FOMO and the need to be constantly available. School, home, and social life blur, leaving teens with no respite. Cyberbullying and public shaming add persistent, low-level stress.

Teenagers’ self-esteem is increasingly tied to social media validation, causing stress and anxiety.

Academic pressure magnifies teen stress.

In high-pressure academic environments, these issues are amplified. The drive for academic success combines with the need for a polished online image. Students feel compelled to project effortless brilliance even when struggling.

This dual burden of managing demanding academics and a flawless online persona can lead to severe anxiety and burnout, Saju explained. She emphasized this is a natural response to a challenging environment, not a personal failing.

The solution involves fostering digital literacy and resilience. Teaching teens to critically evaluate online content, set screen time boundaries, and engage in real-world activities is crucial. The goal is a strong sense of self, independent of online presence.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.