Social media is a major part of many teens’ lives. But like most technology, social media isn’t inherently good or bad. It offers entertainment and connection, but can also create pressures that affect teens’ well-being. For teens seeking social media validation, likes and follower counts can become measures of acceptance.
Some teens begin judging their self-worth by how many likes, comments, and followers they receive. Online attention may provide reassurance, but relying heavily on it can leave some teens vulnerable to disappointment when the response falls short of their expectations.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Many teens will experience fluctuations in their self-esteem during adolescence. As teens grow and become more independent, they may reconsider who they are and how they see themselves.[1]
However, maintaining a healthy level of self-esteem is important. One Swedish study linked healthy self-esteem at ages 12–13 with better perceived mental well-being at age 17.[2] This suggests that supporting self-esteem in teens can help protect their future well-being.
One way to understand self-esteem is through two components:[2][3]
Some behaviors may suggest that a teen is feeling insecure, although none confirms low self-esteem on its own. Look for patterns or changes from their usual behavior. They might:
These experiences predate social media. Many parents reading this article may remember similar behaviors from when they were teenagers. However, the rise of social media over the last couple of decades has provided a new way for young people to try to boost their self-esteem, in ways that we don’t yet fully understand.
So, while we might expect teens to seek external validation, validation-seeking online is a relatively new and perhaps misunderstood phenomenon. Here’s how that search for approval can play out online.
Social media appeals to teens for several reasons:
Despite its various benefits, some teens develop problematic patterns of social media use, which research has linked with lower self-esteem and poorer body image. Adolescents as a group are the most frequent users of social media, and so are at greatest risk of negative effects.[3]
Many studies find that using social media excessively is associated with negative outcomes in academia, relationships, mental health, and self-esteem.[3]
This may be because seeking validation from social media has a darker side:
Further, social media might harm self-esteem in the long run due to risks such as:[3][1]
These issues can affect many aspects of a teen’s life, beyond their self-esteem. They might struggle with academia, close relationships, hopes for the future, and general mental health conditions.
Teens should be made aware of these risks. While a moderate relationship with social media isn’t necessarily going to be harmful for everyone, responsible use of social media means knowing the potential risks.
Mission Prep is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
If teens keep their accounts private from parents, it might be difficult to gauge whether they’re getting validation from social media. Without being able to see their activity, it’s hard to know how much they’re posting, how often, and the kind of information they’re sharing about themselves.
Talking to your teen about social media and self-worth could teach you more about what’s going on for them. The following changes may be worth discussing with your teen, especially if they cause distress or interfere with daily life. They don’t necessarily mean your teen depends on online approval:
Taking selfies, following trends, or deleting posts can be ordinary behavior. The concern is whether online feedback repeatedly affects your teen’s mood, self-worth, or daily life.
If a teen is struggling with their self-esteem and using social media to prop it up, robust and compassionate family support can make a significant difference. Here’s our advice for helping teens with this delicate issue:
Mission Prep provides treatment for teens experiencing various mental health conditions. Mental Health support is a phone call away – call 866-901-4047 to learn about your treatment options.
See our residences in Southern California’s Los Angeles & San Diego areas.
Take a look at our Minneapolis-St. Paul area homes in Hennepin County.
View our facilities in Loudoun County, VA within the DC metro area.
At Mission Prep Teen Treatment, we’ve seen how social media can be both a positive and a negative influence on well-being. That’s why our tailored treatment programs advocate for moderation while acknowledging the very real risks that social media poses.
We support teens experiencing problematic technology use and related mental health difficulties. Not only do we have a specific technology dependency treatment, but we also offer therapy for low self-esteem and academic and social challenges.
Our therapists use evidence-based approaches that take into account a teen’s life experiences, thoughts and beliefs, strengths and preferences, and behavioral difficulties.
Whether your teen could benefit from residential treatment at one of our locations or something more flexible, like an outpatient mental health program delivered virtually, our team can help. Mission Prep Teen Treatment accepts insurance and is in-network with most major providers. We are happy to help you check your insurance coverage for mental health care.
Learn about our admissions process online or call 866-901-4047 to speak with a caring member of our team who can answer any questions you might have. Reach out for a free, no-obligation conversation.
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