The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health and Suicide Rates

Abstract

The pervasive integration of social media into daily life has significantly influenced adolescent development, offering both opportunities for connection and presenting new challenges to mental health. This paper explores the dual-edged nature of social media's impact on adolescents, examining its role in shaping mental health outcomes and its association with suicide rates. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the paper identifies key areas where social media affects adolescent well-being, including cyberbullying, body image concerns, and the dissemination of mental health misinformation. Additionally, it discusses the implications of these factors on suicide rates among young individuals, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to social media use and mental health support.