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A recent study conducted by Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) has revealed that teenage girls perceive the impact of Instagram and TikTok on their psychological well-being more negatively than boys. The research, published in the journal Revista De Comunicación, analyzed the perceptions of 1,043 Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 18 regarding the influence of these social media platforms on various aspects of their social lives.
The study, led by Mònika Jiménez (UPF) and Mireia Montaña (UOC), found that girls, who often engage in more intensive social media use, reported feeling more observed and pressured by their online image and physical appearance. They also expressed a greater need for external approval compared to their male counterparts.
Researchers surveyed a representative sample, with 50.5% girls and 49.5% boys, of whom 70.7% use TikTok and 63.8% use Instagram. Participants rated the impact of social media on nine dimensions of their social life, with 1 being the most negative and 5 the most positive.
While overall, the study found that young people perceived a neutral impact of social media on their lives, with positive effects balancing out the negative, significant gender differences emerged specifically in relation to psychological well-being. Girls scored this aspect at 2.99, while boys scored it at 3.13.
Other dimensions assessed included the ability to argue and discuss, socialization among peers, acceptance of established norms, and decision-making and social autonomy. The lowest scores among both genders were observed in psychological well-being and communication with close adults, both scoring 3.06.
The study also highlighted the influence of TikTok’s algorithm, which researchers suggest can reinforce traditional gender roles. Jiménez noted that “The fashion and beauty content that the algorithm offers to girls by default has a clear impact on their body image and self-esteem. In the case of boys, the fact that the suggested content is closely related to sport and competitive games, with behavior that’s often aggressive, reinforces the idea of the dominant male associated with toxic masculinity, with little room to show his emotions.”
Montaña emphasized the need for strengthening emotional education for teenage girls and encouraging critical thinking regarding social media. “Teenage girls have a more critical and often more negative perception of the impact of social media on their well-being, possibly because they’re exposed to them more intensely and feel more pressure regarding appearance and external approval. This points to an urgent need to strengthen their emotional education and encourage them to look more critically at social media,” she stated.
The study also found that users of Instagram and TikTok perceived a more positive impact on their social lives compared to non-users. TikTok users particularly valued the ability to express themselves, while Instagram users highlighted the sense of belonging and collective organization.
Researchers concluded that while young people possess a relatively accurate perception of social media’s effects, further research is needed to understand their capacity to deal with the “algorithmic dictatorship” and develop appropriate tools for navigating these platforms.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the findings of a single study. While the research provides valuable insights, it is important to note that further studies are needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. Social media’s impact on psychological well-being can vary depending on individual experiences and other factors. Readers should consult with mental health professionals for personalized advice and support.( Clara Virós-Martín et al, Adolescentes, TikTok e Instagram: percepciones sobre el impacto de las tecnologías digitales en su vida social, Revista de Comunicación (2025). DOI: 10.26441/RC24.1-2025-3774)
