In the world of teen and young adult mental health treatment, it’s not unusual to see teens addicted to social media. In fact, many of the teens who come to The Ridge residential treatment centers struggle with social media addiction in addition to other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. But how do you identify the problem – and what’s the solution?

Inordinate social media use can have a big impact on a teen’s mental health, academic/work performance, and real-world relationships. Below, we’re exploring the relationship between teens and social media addiction, including why social media is so addictive for young people and what parents and caregivers can do about it. 

Why Social Media Leads to Addiction in Teens

More than one-third of teens report excessive use of social media, and more than half of teens say that it would be hard or very hard to give it up. Those are big numbers and support what experts have been touting for years: the addictive nature of social media for teens isn’t an unwanted side effect or even something fully in a teen’s control – it’s by design. 

The process by which social media leads to addiction in teens is the same as for adults. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are built to trap their users in a sort of dopamine loop, using complex algorithms to stimulate feel-good dopamine receptors in the brain and encourage constant engagement. It’s a reward system similar to other addictive behaviors like self-harm and substance use, with each like, share, and comment releasing chemicals directly into the brain’s reward center. 

While social media absolutely can have benefits for young people – including positive connections, feelings of acceptance, and a space for creative exploration – there are risks, too, especially for teens struggling with social media addiction. Many teens report feeling overwhelmed, left out, or worse about their own lives after scrolling, and half of teens don’t think enough is being done to address bullying on social media platforms. 

Signs of Social Media Addiction in Teens

If your teen was addicted to social media, would you know? Some signs that a teen is struggling with social media addiction include:

• They’re constantly checking their phone and are unable to disconnect, even during meals or conversations
• They become irritable, anxious, or frustrated when unable to access social media
• They neglect responsibilities like homework, chores, and social commitments in favor of screen time
• They’re spending their days exhausted in order to stay up late and scroll through feeds
• They’re experiencing low self-esteem and high anxiety from comparing themselves to influencers or online peers
• They’ve lost interest in real-life hobbies and friends
• They’re being secretive about their social media use by hiding screen activity, deleting messages, or using multiple accounts

How to Address Excessive Teen Social Media Use

Left unchecked, a tendency to overuse social media can quickly turn into a full-on compulsion to stay logged in. You can help your teen by setting boundaries around how, where, and when technology is used in your home. In severe cases, you can also look into social media addiction treatment programs for teens.

With that in mind, here are four things you can do to help a teen who spends too much time on social media find a better balance. 

1. Limit Screen Time

Use built-in phone settings or parental controls to monitor and restrict usage of social media apps. While you’re at, make it easier for your teen to disconnect by promoting meaningful, screen-free hobbies, sports, and social events. 

2. Model Healthy Technology Use

This is a big one. Show your teen what responsible social media habits look like, and join in on household rules like no tech at the dinner table or while in bed instead of enforcing them only for your child. 

3. Talk About Social Media Manipulation

Help your teen understand how social media platforms are designed to keep them hooked, as well as how certain apps make them feel (both the good and the bad). These types of honest conversations give your teen context around social media addiction and its consequences and can help both of you identify unhealthy patterns.

4. Seek Professional Help

Teen social media addiction treatment usually includes talk therapy to address compulsive behaviors and underlying mental health concerns. Teens with a more severe problem may benefit from more structured care in a residential treatment program. 

Teen Social Media Addiction Treatment at Ridge RTC

The Ridge residential centers provide a safe space where teens addicted to social media can disconnect from their phones and their everyday habits and routines. We offer individual counseling, group therapy, holistic therapy, and more for teens struggling with this common issue, and can help the entire family develop healthier digital habits and perspectives. 

Explore The Ridge RTC website for expert guidance on teen mental health, and reach out online or by phone at (866) 619-0078 to speak with a professional about concerns around your teen’s social media use.

Source:Vogels, Emily, and Risa Gelles-Watnick. “Teens and Social Media: Key Findings from Pew Research Center Surveys.” Pew Research Center, 24 Apr. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/24/teens-and-social-media-key-findings-from-pew-research-center-surveys/.