There have been several studies surrounding social media and its effects on mental health. While the results are mixed, the general consensus seems to be that in most cases of heavy use, social media causes depression and loneliness. This connection alone is alarming, but it may not be the only cause for concern.

With these sites only growing in popularity and number, many people are starting to look at the connection between social media and substance abuse. 

One study found that teens who use social media are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana than their peers who don’t.¹ 

The relationship between drinking and social media is especially alarming. Greater alcohol-related social media engagement is correlated with higher rates of self-reported drinking problems as well as alcohol use disorders.² 

Even scarier is that exposure to friends’ alcohol-related social media content could actually predict the onset of drinking in adolescents.³

Many people argue that social media glamorizes drugs and alcohol, and it is easy to see why. One study found that 97% of alcohol-related posts of youth on Instagram and Facebook showed alcohol in a positive social context.⁴

Did you know?

These apps are free to download from app stores.

Kids are often one step ahead of their parents in the latest privacy settings, allowing them to block you from viewing their activity, be on private, and hide their friends lists

On average, teens spend more than 7 hours a day in front of a screen (outside of schoolwork)

Check out a few popular emojis people use when

communicating about drugs via text.

Learn about the slang and emojis that kids use while texting on their phones, posting on social media, or DMing (direct messaging) other users. Click on Emoji below for more information.