How Many Teens Are Addicted to Social Media? Stats, Trends
Published:
Nov 3, 2024
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02:12 p.m.
ET
Key Points
Statista reported that 40% of Americans aged 18 to 22 are addicted to social media.
The average U.S. teenager spends close to 5 hours on social media, while others can spend as much as nine hours per day.
Some teens struggle to take breaks from social media due to fear of missing out (FOMO).
Seventy-seven percent of parents reported their teenagers are distracted by their phones when they spend time together.
Girls are more likely to spend more time on social media compared to boys.
Studies have shown that around 70% of teenagers in the United States struggle with social media addiction. This age group is reported to be the most affected by this disorder. Recent stats also show that most teenagers struggle to cut back or quit social media altogether, especially teenage girls.
Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that involves compulsive behavioral patterns involving social media. It can negatively influence an individual's life. It can also cause poor mental health, strained relationships, low self-esteem, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. If you struggle with your social media use, you can get help from a mental health professional.
What is social media addiction?
Social media refers to compulsive use or an obsession with social media. It doesn't just affect teens. It can also impact adults and children. Casual social media use manifests into an addiction when the individual's life is consumed by it. It can take them away from their interpersonal relationships and responsibilities.
The DSM-5 hasn't recognized social media addiction. While social media makes people feel less lonely, it can disrupt every impact of an individual's life, including their work, school, and basic needs.
Social media addiction among teenagers: Statistics
The rise of social media has been linked to addiction and mental health problems. Thirty-six percent of teens admit they have compulsive social media use. Over half of them find it hard to quit it altogether.
Social media has also been linked to suicide rates. According to rates from San Diego State University, seven out of 10 teens who spend over five hours on social media are more likely to struggle with suicidal thoughts. On average, teens spend 1 hour and 27 minutes on social media.
Causes of social media addiction in teens
There's no single reason why a teenager is addicted to social media. There are many causes behind this addiction. One reason is their brain development. The brain experiences a release of dopamine when engaging with social media, which leads to compulsive behavior. Adolescents are prevalent because their brains aren't fully developed.
Teens might also experience peer pressure. They might feel the urge to use social media to be accepted by their friends. Some teens use social media to feel accepted by their peers.
Most teens are exploring their identity. Social media allows them to do that, especially popular apps like TikTok. They might also try to replace validation and affection with social media.
Signs of social media addiction in teenagers
Social media addiction can cause anxiety and depression. Those who struggle with compulsive social media use should know their symptoms. Since social media use is so common, it can be hard to be aware of the warning signs.
How do you know if you or a teen struggle with compulsive social media use? Common signs and symptoms include:
Increasing obsession with social media
Using social media to cope with negative feelings
Social media overrides responsibilities
Isolating or hiding social media use
Fear of missing out when not using social media
Mood swings from decreased social media use
Skipping out special events and social activities for social media
Secluding oneself to devote time to social media
Which social media apps are most addictive?
TikTok
TikTok is one of the most addicting social media apps. That's because it provides users with a steady stream of short-span videos. The app also has a "For You Page" that offers unique content tailored to each user. This allows the user to scroll the app for hours on end.
There's also a risk for teens to get addicted to Instagram. It offers a habit loop model that commands users' attention and keeps them on the app for as long as possible. They will either scroll through the endless feed or view the countless Stories. Meanwhile, the "Explore" page offers additional content to scroll through endlessly.
YouTube and Twitch
YouTube and Twitch addiction are similar since both are video platforms. These sites created a way for users to access on-demand videos at any time of the day. Most of the content is tailored to the user's individual likes and viewing habits. This creates a cycle of endless content that releases dopamine in the brain.
Teens are just as likely to get addicted to Facebook as their older counterparts. Some might consider their followers or friends as real-life connections. This can lead to an increased obsession with the app. Facebook also offers endless content for users to scroll through.
Social media addiction treatment options
The most common forms of therapy for social media addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. A licensed therapist helps individuals uncover the triggers and causes behind their addiction.
Social media addiction doesn't have intense withdrawal symptoms like substance abuse disorder. Because of this, individuals can recover without the need for an inpatient facility. Birches Health offers virtual treatment for social media addiction.
The process starts with a self-assessment. From there, the individual receives an official diagnosis. A licensed clinician can help treat their social media addiction and any co-occurring issues.
Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:
You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
