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CHICAGO, IL – In an era dominated by digital interactions, a new study reveals that the key to better mental health for teenagers lies not in limiting social media use, but in fostering strong, supportive friendships. Research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicates that the impact of high-quality friendships on teens’ mental well-being is nearly three times greater than the influence of social media.
The study, conducted by researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, challenges the prevailing narrative that social media is the primary culprit behind the rise in teen mental health challenges. While concerns about the effects of digital platforms on youth well-being have prompted warnings from figures like the U.S. Surgeon General, this research suggests a more nuanced perspective.
“Social media use does not occur in a vacuum—it’s one piece of a much larger picture,” explained Dr. Courtney K. Blackwell, lead author of the study. “Our study found that peer relationships seem to matter a lot more than social media when it comes to teen mental health outcomes.”
The research involved 963 teens aged 13 to 18 across the United States, who provided data on their social media habits, the quality of their friendships, and their mental health outcomes. The findings revealed that teens with strong, supportive friendships reported higher levels of life satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose, regardless of their social media usage. Conversely, those with poor-quality friendships, even with similar levels of social media use, were more likely to report symptoms of depression and lower overall mental well-being.
The study measured mental well-being using established assessment tools, including the PROMIS assessment tools and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. It also distinguished between active social media use (posting, commenting) and passive use (scrolling, browsing).
While previous surveys have highlighted the increasing amount of time teens spend on social media, with recent data showing an average of 4.8 hours daily for 13- to 19-year-olds, this study emphasizes the importance of focusing on improving the quality of peer relationships.
“Instead of just focusing on limiting adolescents’ social media use, perhaps emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships would help address the current youth mental health crisis in the U.S.,” said Dr. Blackwell.
The research team plans to continue their work by analyzing data collected over time to further understand the complex interplay between social media, peer relationships, and mental health during adolescence. Future studies will explore strategies to enhance peer relationship quality as a means of improving teen mental health.
More information: Courtney K. Blackwell et al, Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Study, Journal of Adolescent Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.12.003
Journal information: Journal of Adolescent Health
Disclaimer: This article is based on the findings of a single study and should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. Individual experiences with social media and mental health can vary significantly. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding mental health concerns. Further studies will be conducted to enhance the information provided in this article.
