The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Anxiety Disorders Among Youth: An Integrative Review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable question related to the increase in anxiety disorders among adolescents, coinciding with the widespread use of social media among this population. Research suggests that adolescents, whose identities and self-esteem are still developing, may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social media, including constant connectivity, exposure to unrealistic lifestyles, and the fear of missing out (Chochol et al., 2023). In addition, Kerr et al. (2025) conducted a systematic review and found that over half of the studies examined reported positive associations between social media use and anxiety among adolescents. Furthermore, a narrative review by Chochol et al. (2023) discussed how fear of missing out serves as a moderator in the relationship between social media use and anxiety, suggesting that the pressure to remain engaged online can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. This paper explores the correlation between social media use and the development of anxiety disorders in adolescents, with a focus on mechanisms such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and disrupted sleep, and evaluates current intervention strategies aimed at mitigating these risks.