Social Media’s Influence on Social Anxiety: A Narrative Review
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Authors
Leong, Janice
Issue Date
2025-08-20
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
adolescents , cultural influences , emotional dependence , identity development , narrative literature review , platform design , social anxiety , social comparison , social media use , validation-seeking , young people
Alternative Title
Abstract
This review examines how social media use (SMU) contributes to social anxiety in adolescents and emerging adults. Although SMU can affect people of all ages, adolescents and emerging adults may be more at risk because of ongoing identity development, sensitivity to peer opinions, and difficulties with emotional regulation. When psychological factors such as self-concept instability and social comparison are combined with external pressures like social media, they can increase emotional vulnerability and contribute to social anxiety. These pressures include feedback systems (likes and comments) and algorithms that push comparison-driven content. These dynamics can affect identity development, increase compulsive engagement, and strengthen dependence on external validation, particularly during sensitive developmental stages. Cultural values and platform characteristics are also explored as contributing factors. The findings highlight six interconnected themes: social comparison, validation seeking, emotional dependence, usage patterns, cultural influences, and platform design. Together, these themes show how social media can heighten emotional vulnerability and contribute to social anxiety in young people. These insights point to strategies for support, such as promoting emotional regulation, enhancing media literacy, and offering guidance that is sensitive to cultural differences.