Companies regularly survey users to see how to improve their products and how teens and young adults react to them. Publicly available, external research also showcases the potential harms of social media platforms and features.
Leaks of internal research show that social media companies are aware of their impact on the mental health of their users. They know that the mental health of kids and adolescents is in danger from the use of their products.
Below is some information about what these companies know about how social media can cause anxiety.
Meta
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been at the center of social media harm allegations. Internal documents show that the company knew its platforms negatively affected the mental health of teens, particularly adolescent girls.
Research suggests that the social comparison aspect of Instagram could compound feelings of anxiety and depression among teens. One slide discussing internal user research said: “Teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression. This reaction was unprompted and consistent across all groups.”
Despite Meta having this awareness, many social media skeptics say Meta prioritizes engagement and growth over addressing users’ concerns. As a result, millions of young users may be susceptible to suffering mental health harms.
Snapchat
Snapchat’s design focuses on short-lived content and features that keep users online. They have also been linked to anxiety in young users. These features include:
- Snapstreaks: External research has found that young users who lose a Snapstreak often experience negative feelings. A 2018 internal study by Snap found that more than a third of users found it important to keep a Snapstreak going, and they felt an enormous amount of pressure to do so.
- Snap Map: Snap Map is a feature of Snapchat that, unless disabled, shares a person’s location with their friends and the public. Beyond the concern of sharing the locations of minors, researchers have also found that the feature promotes feelings of jealousy, which can lead to anxiety and sadness.
Reports claim that Snapchat knew its platform could foster compulsive behaviors and increase anxiety among adolescents. Critics assert that the company failed to introduce adequate mental health protections, all while recognizing these risks.
TikTok
TikTok has faced criticism for its potential role in exacerbating anxiety among adolescents. Studies indicate the platform’s algorithm can expose young users to potentially harmful content, including material related to mental health issues. A recent report highlighted concerns that TikTok may expose teens to content in connection with suicide and eating disorders, potentially leading to increased anxiety and distress.
YouTube
YouTube has also been scrutinized for its perceived impact on adolescent mental health, particularly the role it seems to play in this age group’s anxiety. Research indicates that the platform’s recommendation algorithms can lead users, especially teenagers, to content not suitable for their age — potentially increasing their anxiety and stress levels. Experts have raised concerns that YouTube’s design may contribute to a mental health crisis among young users by exposing them to distressing content without providing adequate safeguards.
