For many students, social media is the first thing they check on their phone when they wake up and the last thing they check before they go to sleep. It’s where identities are expressed, trends are followed and connections are found. However, behind the filtered posts and perfectly timed posts, there’s a growing conversation about the impact of social media on mental health and self-image. Most people don’t realize that 46% of adolescents aged 13-17 say that social media makes them feel worse. While social media is supposed to connect, inspire and entertain, many teenagers actually face negative repercussions. A recent survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that teenagers spend an average of 3.5 hours a day on social media, amplifying some of the negative consequences they face. Beyond just national data, though, let’s take a closer look at student experiences at Brighton High School.
In an anonymous survey of 19 students at BHS by The BHS Times, the overwhelming majority reported using social media every day. One student admitted that they “procrastinate a lot on homework because of it, so [they] go to bed late,” while another said it “causes [them] to get less sleep and makes [them] forget to finish [their] homework.” These responses demonstrate a common theme: social media interferes with productivity and time management. There is also strong evidence that social media use—especially at night—disrupts sleep cycles. Research from organizations like the The Sleep Doctor shows that screen exposure right before bed can suppress melatonin production and disrupt circadian rhythm. Distracted from phones before bed can also affect sleep duration and quality, creating daytime fatigue and grogginess.
At the same time, students are divided on how it affects their mental health. Some described it as a way to relax or unwind, with one student saying it “brings [them] some peace and relaxation after a long and tiresome day.” Others, however, expressed a very different experience.
“It makes me feel less worthy and not good enough,” one response read, pointing to the impact social media can have on self-esteem.
Another student shared that the “constant flow of news… messes [them] up a little,” suggesting that the content itself, not just the time spent, can take a toll.
Still, social media isn’t entirely negative. Students repeatedly highlighted its ability to bring people together and give knowledgeable information. These platforms can strengthen relationships and create a sense of community or belonging. Many also enjoy the creativity and inspiration it offers. Many students described using social media to stay connected with friends outside of school, whether that’s through sharing posts or simply “being able to talk about something with your friends.” Others said it helps them find people with similar interests, with one student highlighting the “connection to other people who have similar hobbies or tastes.” For some, social media is also a creative outlet, offering inspiration through following influencers or even through just scrolling through content they enjoy. At its best, it becomes a space where students can express themselves, explore new interests and feel more connected to the world around them.
Even so, the same features that make social media appealing can also make it hard to step away. Several students described it as addictive or said it’s easy to waste hours scrolling. This constant engagement can blur the line between entertainment and overuse, leaving students feeling both connected and overwhelmed.
Rather than falling clearly into “good” or “bad,” there’s no single way that students experience social media. As one student put it, it “depends,” while another explained that it can be “fun to connect with everyone, but it makes [them] feel less worthy and not good enough” at the same time. Others echoed that same balance, describing social media both as a way to “get a good laugh” and connect with friends while also dealing with “negative comments for no reason.” Thus, while social media is not inherently bad, it can nonetheless come with its own social and emotional consequences if used excessively.
