The Role Of Social Media Addiction In The Development Of Depression In Teens

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are among the most active users of social media, yet excessive use has raised concerns about its association with depression and emotional well-being. Given the developmental sensitivity of this age group, understanding the relationship between social media addiction and depressive symptoms is essential for early intervention.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 415 adolescents aged 13–19 years using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Emotional Well-Being Scale for Adolescents (EWBS-A). Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, and regression analysis to examine relationships between variables.

Results: Most participants reported using social media for 1–3 hours daily, with TikTok as the most commonly used platform. A significant positive correlation was found between social media addiction and depressive symptoms (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of problematic usage were associated with increased depression. Additionally, social media addiction showed a significant negative correlation with emotional well-being (r = -0.47, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that social media addiction significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β = 0.49, p < 0.001), accounting for approximately 26% of the variance (R² = 0.26). Common behavioral patterns included late-night usage, anxiety when offline, and frequent social comparison. Although many participants perceived social media as beneficial, a substantial proportion reported negative emotional effects, including anxiety and loneliness.

Conclusion: Social media use among adolescents demonstrates a dual impact, serving as both a source of engagement and a significant risk factor for depression and reduced emotional well-being. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, digital literacy programs, and parental and institutional guidance to promote balanced and healthy usage.