The social relationships of adolescents almost all go through social networks, which is not without consequences for their mental health… Explanations.
- In 2022, Instagram was the most used social network in France by 16-25 year olds, with 84% of them saying they use the photo-sharing platform. Facebook is now used only by a minority of young French people, overtaken by the Chinese network TikTok used by 52% of them.
- According to a study conducted by the YouGov institute in 2021, 41% of 8-11 year olds are already registered on one or more social networks.
If friendship is particularly important in adolescence, it is because it allows you to assert your personality, and to meet your first loves. In recent years, social networks have a predominant part in social relations, especially among adolescents.
Social networks contribute to the isolation of adolescents
This is the whole paradox of social networks, they allow you to stay in touch with friends, and meet people all over the world, while limiting interactions in real life with consequences for the mental health of adolescents. As they can now all access it from their smartphones, some lock themselves in their virtual refuge, creating isolation from the real world.
A social isolation that is not without consequences
Some studies warn of the consequences of the lack of social interaction in the real world between the ages of 12 and 18, when the brain is in full development. There is thus an increase in depression and anxiety, dark thoughts, difficulties in decision-making and in psychosocial development with consequences in long-term interactions.
The greater the dependence on social networks, the greater the isolation, low self-esteem and the feeling of rejection. This is why it is necessary to talk about it with children from an early age by limiting its use in favor of other activities that promote connection with others in the real world.
Find out more: “Social networks: We learn, we understand, we discuss with our teenagers” by Benjamin Perrier and Pauline Lavillat.
