A study conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University has revealed a bidirectional influence of online social connections on adolescents’ mental health. The findings were published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.

Active participation in online communities can help strengthen mental well-being, while passive use and negative social comparison may increase levels of depression and anxiety.

The quality, function, and structure of online relationships play a key role in these outcomes, underscoring the need to develop targeted strategies for promoting safe and supportive digital environments.

Previous research has also shown that excessive time spent on social media is associated with deterioration of cognitive abilities in adolescents, including lower performance on tests of reading, memory, and vocabulary. However, it is important to note that it is not the total time spent online but rather the patterns of use — such as compulsive behavior and a sense of lack of control — that have the strongest impact on mental health.

Thus, to support the mental health of teenagers, it is important not only to limit the time spent online, but also to pay attention to the nature of their online activity and the quality of their virtual social interactions.