Social Media Platforms Like Instagram and TikTok Exacerbate Adolescent Anxiety in Women and Girls

Published on 6.7.25

  The rise of social media has been accompanied by a concerning trend in the mental health of young people, particularly women and girls. Experts warn that social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter can create unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt among users. A recent study found that moderate to severe depressive symptoms among adolescents increased from 9.6% in 2013 to 20.9% in 2021, indicating a deteriorating mental health situation with serious long-term consequences. Social media exacerbates the challenges faced by young people, particularly women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. French dietitian Carole Copti notes that misinformation from influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is a huge problem when treating teenagers struggling with these disorders. According to her, social media can push vulnerable young people towards developing eating disorders by promoting unrealistic thinness and false diet advice. Psychiatrist Nathalie Godart agrees, stating that while social media is not the cause of mental health issues, it can be the "straw that breaks the camel's back" for those already struggling. In response to these concerns, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has emphasized the need for accessible support nationwide to address the deteriorating mental health situation.

References

Related Posts


Instagram Fuels Adolescent Psychological Trauma
5.29.25
The toxic impact of social media on teenage girls' mental health has been a growing concern, with Meta's Instagram at the center of the issue. Internal documents reveal that in...
See Full Post
US Parents Seek Stricter Social Media Controls
5.29.25
The growing concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health has led to a surge in demands for stricter regulations from parents and policymakers in the US....
See Full Post
Teenagers Struggle with Unrealistic Beauty Standards Promoted by Influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Chiara Ferragni on Instagram
5.31.25
The constant comparison of teenagers to unrealistic online images has become a pervasive issue in today's digital age. According to social media influencer Emma Chamberlain, the curated presence of popular...
See Full Post

Back

See Newsfeed: Mental Health