The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Generational Perspective

Social media platforms profoundly influence mental health, with varying effects observed across age groups. Adolescents and young adults frequently face challenges such as social comparison, identity formation pressures, and validation-seeking behaviors, whereas older adults encounter issues related to digital exclusion, isolation, and cognitive overload. These generational differences, as well as shared outcomes like network stress and information overload, call for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their implications. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the mental health impacts of social media use across adolescents, young adults, and older adults, focusing on key theoretical frameworks, such as Social Comparison Theory and Social Support Networks, to understand generational dynamics. Using a systematic approach, we reviewed and synthesized findings from 28 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2024. Included studies utilized qualitative, mixed-methods, and cross-sectional designs, with thematic analyses and theoretical frameworks guiding the evaluation of age-related differences in social media’s psychological effects. Our findings indicate distinct vulnerabilities and protective factors among age cohorts. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to upward social comparison and body-image concerns, while older adults face challenges stemming from reduced digital literacy and isolation. Younger users benefit from online emotional support but are burdened by network stress, whereas older users’ mental health outcomes are shaped more by functional connectivity. Shared challenges include information overload and passive social media use, which exacerbate negative outcomes. In conclusion, this review highlights the nuanced, age-specific nature of social media’s mental health impacts, underscoring the need for tailored interventions and platform designs to address these generational differences.