Social media affects mental health in multiple significant ways, often with negative consequences, especially among teens and young adults:

• Anxiety and Depression: Social media use is linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. This is partly due to the addictive nature of these platforms, which stimulate the brain's reward center by releasing dopamine, a "feel-good" chemical. When users do not receive expected likes or approval, it can negatively impact self-esteem and sense of adequacy

• Social Comparison and Self-Esteem: Platforms heavily emphasize physical appearance and curated highlights of life, leading users to compare themselves unfavorably to others. The use of filters and exposure to idealized images can foster body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constant exposure to others’ "highlight reels" can create feelings of missing out, fueling anxiety and dissatisfaction with one's own life. This often compels users to check social media compulsively, which can disrupt sleep and increase stress

• Cyberbullying: Social media can be a venue for online harassment and bullying, which severely affects mental health, self-esteem, and can leave lasting emotional scars

• Sleep Disruption: Using social media, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns due to screen light exposure and stress, contributing to depression and cognitive issues like memory loss

• Addiction and Behavioral Issues: The unpredictable rewards of social media engagement create addictive patterns similar to gambling. This addiction can lead to distraction from responsibilities, risky behaviors to gain social approval, and reduced time for self-reflection and healthy activities

• Social Isolation: Despite connecting people virtually, social media can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation by replacing in-person interactions with less rewarding online ones

• Increased Risk in Youth: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress associated with heavy social media use. The rise in adolescent mental health issues correlates with increased social media engagement

In summary, while social media can offer connection and entertainment, its excessive or unhealthy use is associated with anxiety, depression, poor self- esteem, disrupted sleep, addiction, cyberbullying, and social isolation, especially among young people