New Research Reveals Mental Health Risks
of Social Media Span Across Generations
A growing body of research confirms that the mental health harms attributed to social media use are not confined to younger generations like Gen Z, but are increasingly recognized among older adults as well, affecting all age groups to varying degrees.
Studies show that excessive social media use is linked to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and reduced life satisfaction in teens, young adults, middle-aged, and even seniors. The addictive nature of platforms activates the brain’s reward system, creating cycles of dopamine-driven behavior and withdrawal symptoms.
The phenomenon of social comparison—comparing oneself unfavorably to others’ curated lives—fuels low self-esteem and social isolation across age brackets, contributing to mental distress.
While young people display higher rates of problematic social media use, emerging research reveals older users also face risks of anxiety and depression, undermining their wellbeing.
Mental health experts emphasize that persistent social media exposure can disrupt sleep, increase feelings of loneliness, and exacerbate symptoms of pre-existing conditions such as depression.
Older adults may struggle more to disengage, given less familiarity with digital literacy tools and more ingrained social habits shaped around online validation.
The evidence prompts calls for inclusive digital literacy education, age-sensitive mental health interventions, and better-designed platforms that prioritize user wellbeing for all demographics.
Policy makers, educators, and health professionals are encouraged to embrace a comprehensive approach addressing the multi-generational challenge of social media’s impact on mental health.
