The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health During the College Admissions Process
Julio 8, 2024
The influence of social media on teens’ mental health has garnered significant attention in recent years. Social media use is ubiquitous among teens. According to the Pew Research Center, up to 95% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 reported using social media in 2022, with more than third using it “almost constantly”.
The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that 37% of teens spend five or more hours daily on social media. Furthermore, 41% of teens with the highest social media use rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor, compared with 23% of those with the lowest use.
Social media stress is magnified during the high-stakes college admissions process.
Excessive social media use can worsen the fears accompanying the college admissions process, which include:
• Pressure from Peers and Family: Social media amplifies the pressure to succeed, as teens see their peers’ achievements and feel compelled to measure up.
• The Myth of Prestige: The belief that attending a prestigious university equates to intelligence and personal value can lead to feelings of inadequacy if students do not receive the results they were hoping for in the college process. This can be highlighted even more strongly when teens are flooded with social media posts of their peers’ acceptances.
• Fear of the Unknown and Fear of Failure: The admissions process is fraught with uncertainty, and conflicting information that abounds on social media platforms can make expectations unclear.
• Workload and Time Management: Balancing school, extracurricular activities, test preparation, and college applications can be overwhelming, even more so when teens spend significant amounts of free time on social media platforms.
Identifying Struggles with Social Media Use
Parents should be vigilant for signs that their teen may be struggling with social media use. Indicators could include:
• Neglecting responsibilities at school or home
• Social isolation
• Inability to disconnect from their phone for face-to-face conversations
• Excessive fatigue that interferes with daily activities
• Noticeable changes in mood
Strategies to Prioritize Mental Health
To support teens’ mental health during the college admissions process, parents and guardians can adopt several strategies:
• Digital Detox: Encourage healthy boundaries with social media. Set rules for when and where teens can access these platforms to ensure they have time away from screens.
• Parental Role Modeling: Parents should set the tone for healthy emotional regulation. Be the thermostat, not the thermometer! A thermostat actively regulates the environment, while a thermometer merely reflects it. Model calmness and flexibility to help teens manage their emotions effectively.
• Listening and Validation: It is crucial to listen, validate, and reassure teens about their feelings. Emphasize that well-being is more important than any single outcome.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: Help teens understand that the college process is just one part of their life journey. Encourage open-mindedness and flexibility in their choices.
• Seeking Professional Help: If necessary, be open to the possibility that your teen may need professional help. Be aware of available resources, such as school counselors, therapists, and support groups, to provide additional support.
While social media is a significant part of our lives, its influence during the college admissions process can be profound. By recognizing the signs of social media stress and implementing strategies to prioritize mental health, parents can help their teens navigate this challenging period more effectively.
Written by Angela Leonardo, BIC’S College Coaching Assistant Director:
Originally from Philadelphia, Angela graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. She has 10 years of experience working within international education.