Social Media and Mental Health Statistics for 2024

Since the dawn of social media, our social and personal lives have drastically changed, affecting how we do business, date, view ourselves, communicate with one another, and spend our free time.

Therefore, it is only logical that we ask ourselves what has been the impact of social media on our mental health, which helps us navigate our relationship with this new and necessary portal of social interaction.

Accordingly, we can access diverse data, opinions, and footage. Still, most of our interactions with these outlets are unexpected, as we never truly know what might come up next on our feed.

Hence, we might experience many emotions within fractions of a minute, but the experience vastly differs from what we traditionally experienced in an actual society throughout evolution.

Let’s dive in and examine some statistics to comprehend the impact of social media on our mental health.

Unreal Social Media and Mental Health Statistics

Before getting your hands dirty with the details, it wouldn’t hurt to glimpse what the data says about social media and mental health.

Here are the most unreal social media and mental health statistics:

• As of July 2024, around 60 percent of the global population uses social media.
• As of 2024, in the United States, 302.35 million people use social media channels.
• According to Forbes, 84 percent of people between 18 and 29 in the US use social media.
• In 2024, China has the most users on social media worldwide, standing at a fantastic 1.021 billion users.
• On average, in 2024, people spend 147 minutes or 2 hours and 27 minutes each day on social media.
• Sixty-four percent of Gen Z social media users have tried to stop using social media.
• Around 95 percent of adolescents have access to a smartphone, and 45 percent have reported that they are constantly online.
• 21% of adults have reported waking up to check their phones at night, increasing their chance of developing sleep disorders.
• Sixty-four percent of people bullied online say they know the perpetrator from in-person encounters.
• According to the New York Times, high-volume social media usage in teenagers resulted in lower life satisfaction.
• 45% of British people have trusted their children to be responsible users when facing online content and did not depend on restrictive tools.

Impressive, right? Now, let’s learn more in detail.

General Social Media Statistics

Understanding user behavior provides information upon analyzing their preferences and motivations to comprehend the global experience better.

Here are some interesting facts about social media worldwide:

1. As of July 2024, around 60 percent of the global population uses social media

(Source: DataReportal)

The number of social media users is at an ever-growing peak as smartphones become cheaper and high-speed internet more available around the globe. As of July 2024, around 60 percent of the global population uses social media. The number has risen to 4.88 billion people worldwide, with a yearly increase of 173 million users, equating to a 3.7 percent rise.

2. As of 2024, in the United States, 302.35 million people use social media channels

(Source: Demand Sage)

As of 2024, in the United States, 302.35 million people use social media. This figure represents 90 percent of all the people living in the United States of America. Seventy-six percent of the female population and 74 percent of the male population in the US are active social media users. The racial spread puts Hispanics at the top, with 80 percent using social media platforms. The second spot belongs to the black population with 77 percent, and in third place are whites with 69 percent.

3. According to Forbes, 84 percent of people between 18 and 29 in the US use social media

(Source: Forbes)

According to Forbes, 84 percent of people between 18 and 29 in the US use social media. The figure drops slightly to 81 percent for people between 30 and 49 years old and decreases to 73 percent for those aged 50 to 65. The usage percentage hits its lowest for people over 65, with only 45 percent of usage.

4. In 2024, China has the most social media users worldwide, standing at a fantastic 1.021 billion users

(Source: Demand Sage)

In 2024, China has the most users on social media worldwide, standing at a fantastic 1.021 billion users. In second place is India, with 755 million social media users. After these two population centers, with a huge drop-off, come the United States, Indonesia, and Brazil, respectively 302 million, 217 million, and 165 million users.

5. On average, in 2024, people spend 147 minutes or 2 hours and 27 minutes each day on social media

(Source: BroadbandSearch)

Based on the recent analysis in 2024, people spend 147 minutes or 2 hours and 27 minutes each day on social media. Accordingly, the average human life span calculated by the World Health Organization is about 73.4 years, reaching 3.4 million minutes during a person’s lifetime. On average, you will spend about six years and eight months of your life on social media during your lifetime.

6. 64 percent of Gen Z social media users have tried to stop using social media

(Source: BusinessWire)

A study by BusinessWire revealed that 64 percent of Gen Z users (people born after 1994) have tried to take a break from social media. Another statistic showed that 34 percent of the same population has stopped using social media for good.

7. Around 95 percent of adolescents have access to a smartphone, and 45 percent have reported that they are constantly online

(Source: Gitnux)

While around 95 percent of adolescents have access to a smartphone, 45 percent have reported that they are constantly online. This statistic can be very alarming as you realize that about half of the teenage population is continuously exposed to any potential mental health harm and distracting effect social media can have on them.

8. According to the New York Times, high-volume social media usage in teenagers resulted in lower life satisfaction

(Source: New York Times)

According to The New York Times, a large study in Great Britain surveying 84,000 people of all ages found that high-volume social media usage in teenagers resulted in lower life satisfaction. This effect was at its heaviest for teenagers during puberty – for girls between 11 and 13 and boys between 14 and 15- and for both sexes around 19.

9. 64 percent of people bullied online say they know the perpetrator from in-person encounters

(Source: Verywell Family)

A report by Verywell Family suggests that 64 percent of people who have been bullied online say they know the perpetrator from in-person encounters. Even if the person who does the bullying knows the victim in person, they resort to mocking the victim’s online pictures and leaving disturbing comments. Thirty-two percent of victims have expressed that someone said nasty or rude words about them online. 13 percent said that someone has spread online rumors about them. Fourteen percent of the victims have reported that someone has threatened them or has left aggressive comments.

10. 45% of British people have trusted their children to be responsible users when facing online content and did not depend on restrictive tools

(Source: Ofcom)

In a 2022 study, Ofcom found that 45 percent of British have trusted their children to be responsible users when facing online content and did not depend on restrictive tools. About 50 percent checked in with their children every few weeks about their online activity, and 5 percent had a one-and-done conversation with their children about their online training.

Research shows that having a close relationship and bond with your children can reduce and effectively prevent online bullying. An online survey of teens between 12 and 17 in South Australia found that being socially connected can immensely reduce the impact of cyberbullying. As 64 percent of students who have been cyberbullied have expressed that it has negatively affected their feeling of safety and ability to learn at school, this can be important data to help reduce these harms.

Social Media and Mental Health Statistics by Age

Obviously, different age groups show various vulnerabilities to social media channels. But does social media make teens unhappy?

Here are the most significant social media and health by age:

11. 47.7% of parents of children aged 6-10 reported being bullied, and the number rises for children aged 11-13, reaching 56.4%

(Source: Comparitech)

According to a survey of 1,000 parents, bullying has become a primary concern for parents online and offline. 47.7 percent of parents of kids aged 6 to 10 reported their children getting bullied. The number rises for children aged 11 to 13 as the percentage goes to 56.4 percent. The bullying rate reaches its peak as 59.9 percent of parent report that their 14 to 18-year-olds are bullied.

12. 19.2 percent of parents have reported that their children have been bullied through social media

(Source: Comparitech)

Although most parents reported that their children suffer the most bullying and abuse in their school, social media is the most extensive online platform for bullying children. 19.2 percent of parents have reported that their children have been bullied through social media. Other online activities like texting or gaming come second and third, with 11 percent and 7.9 percent of parents reporting their children being bullied this way. Interestingly, 10.5 percent of parents observed cyberbullying done to their children themselves.

13. People under 25 who experience cyberbullying have faced a 14.5 percentage point increase in all suicidal behavior

(Source: PubMed)

Although the statistics of deaths caused by social media in 2022 are not feasibly measurable, there are specific criteria that show the effect of social media on increased suicidal thoughts. According to the research, cyberbullying can have a terrible impact on the victim’s mental health and can substantially increase the rate of suicidal thoughts and behavior in them. Research shows that people under 25 who experience cyberbullying have had an increase in all suicidal behavior. They have experienced a 14.5 percentage point increase in suicidal thoughts and an 8.7 percentage point increase in suicidal attempts. Even if we focus our attention on the statewide suicide-related mortality rates, there has been a significant increase due to cyberbullying, with women being more affected than men.

14. According to a study, cyberbullying doubles the chance of people under 25 to self-harm and enact suicidal behavior

(Source: ScienceDaily)

According to a study by Swansea University, cyberbullying doubles the chance of people under 25 to self-harm and enact suicidal behavior. The study examined 150,000 children and young people across 30 countries over 21 years. The study suggests that bullying leads to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, leading young people to commit harmful acts on themselves. The researchers have recommended strengthening anti-bullying laws, which can help reduce these harmful effects.

15. According to a recent study, suicidal thoughts have increased by 40 percent among teens from 2010 to 2020

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Suicide is the second primary cause of mortality in people ages 10 to 24. According to a recent study, suicidal thoughts (minus the influential factor of cyberbullying) have increased by 40 percent among teens from 2010 to 2020. Approximately one in 53 high school students report attempting suicide in a way that needs medical intervention. For each youth that loses his life due to suicide, there are about 100 to 200 suicide attempts.

16. 67% of teens who use social media have reported that social media usage has resulted in lower self-esteem

(Source: Pubmed)

The evidence shows that social media has, for the most part, a negative effect on its users’ self-esteem. Sixty-seven percent of teens who use social media have reported that social media usage, seeing the fun and excitement the others experience and share on these platforms, has resulted in lower self-esteem.

17. For many adolescents who use social media for more than 3 hours each day, there is an increased risk of having mental health issues

(Source: AECF)

Studies suggest that for many adolescents who use social media for more than 3 hours each day, there is an increased risk of having mental health issues. The researchers found that teens who spend too much time on social media are more likely to internalize their problems, which could harm their mental health.

18. Major depression in adolescents has increased by 52 from 8.7 percent to 13.2 percent.

(Source: American Psychological Association)

In a study by the American Psychological Association, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of children and young adults suffering certain types of mental illness over the past decade. They looked at surveys done by 200,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 and about 400,000 adults aged 18 and over. Reporting symptoms indicative of major depression in adolescents has increased by 52 percent from 8.7 percent to 13.2 percent of all participants.

19. Half of 13-year-old girls are unhappy with their body image, which grows to 80 percent by 17

(Source: Psych Central)

Social media can directly affect how you see and compare your body to others, resulting in mental and physical health concerns. Researchers have found a link between comparing your body with others on social media and body dissatisfaction as a precursor to body dysmorphia.

Accordingly, an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men face eating disorders during their lifetime, and one research has found a causality between teenagers’ widespread social media usage and increased risk of eating disorders.

Half of the 13-year-old girls are unhappy with their body image, which grows to 80 percent by 17. In contrast, around 25 percent of boys are concerned about their masculinity and leanness, and young men with a BMI under 25 have reported facing an eating disorder at some point.

20. The rate of young adults with suicidal thoughts has risen from 7 percent to 10.3 percent, an astonishing 47 percent increase

(Source: American Psychological Association)

The American Psychological Association also found out that the reported level of psychological distress in young adults has increased by 71 percent. Accordingly, the rate of young adults with suicidal thoughts or other suicide-related outcomes has risen from 7 percent to 10.3 percent, an astonishing 47 percent increase.

21. Thirty-eight percent of adults believe social media use can harm mental health

(Source: American Psychological Association)

In a national poll by the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of adults stated that they believe social media can harm mental health. The stats become more alarming, as 67 percent agreed that social media usage leads to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

22. About 88 percent of adults believe social media usage can be harmful and call it concerning

(Source: American Psychological Association)

About 88 percent of adults believe social media usage can be harmful and call it concerning. It is of note that only 14 percent of adults use any social media to support their mental health.

Social Media and Mental Health Statistics by Sleep

According to several studies, spending time on social media channels can directly impact sleep quality. But do you have to worry?

Here are the most significant social media and mental health statistics:

23. 21% of adults have reported waking up to check their phones at night, increasing their chance of developing sleep disorders like insomnia

(Source: Gitnux)

Using social media constantly or in the late hours of the day can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to issues with daily routines and managing tasks, and cause long-term mental health issues. Several studies have found links between adolescents’ social media usage, disrupted sleeping patterns, and mental health issues. Approximately 21 percent of adults have reported waking up to check their phones during the night, increasing their chance of losing sleep and developing sleep disorders like insomnia.

24. A disturbingly high portion (70 percent) use social media after going to bed, and 15 percent spend an hour or more on social media in bed

(Source: Gitnux)

A poll targeting hospital workers and university students found that a disturbingly high portion, 70 percent, use social media after going to bed, and 15 percent spend an hour or more on social media in bed.

25. Thirty-six percent of cyberbullied teens were more likely to be prone to depression and sleep deprivation

(Source: Comparitech)

A study done in the year 2019 found that cyberbullied teens were more likely to be prone to depression and sleep deprivation. This finding was confirmed by another study done by Ditch the Label in 2020, in which 36 percent of participants reported feeling depressed.

Social Media and Mental Health Statistics by Covid 19

The pandemic in previous years bolded social media usage as a primary approach to interacting with others. But did it do any good?

Here are the top social media and health data by the pandemic:

26. 63% of parents in the United States have reported that their children started spending more time on social media during the pandemic

(Source: Gitnux)

According to data provided by Statista, 63 percent of parents in the United States have reported that their children started spending more time on social media during the pandemic than before.

27. The pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health of 59 percent of the population in the United States

(Source: Gitnux)

A study that analyzed the 60 million tweets during the month following the pandemic and compared it to the 40 million tweets during the same period in 2019 with machine learning had enlightening findings. It revealed that the pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health of 59 percent of the population in the United States.

28. Another study indicated a rise of 14 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased anxiety, depression, and others

(Source: Gitnux)

Another study indicated increased mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and others, pointing to a rise of 14 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 4 million tweets discussed mental health issues, of which 51.3 percent discussed depression, 45.66 discussed anxiety, 5.35 percent were concerned with insomnia, and 3.56 percent were about addiction.

Wrap Up

It isn’t deniable that the introduction of social media has hurt the mental health of its users around the globe, especially children and adolescents. Although social media can be a source of support and solutions that can help reduce its adverse effects, these solutions are often not as widely available as their harms.

People of all ages must minimize their time on social media networks to protect their mental health, as heavy social media usage can significantly increase its harmful aspects. Parents also should be aware that a close relationship and support system for their children can be much more helpful than any controlling measure in helping their children avoid these mental health issues.

FAQs

• Are there any benefits to using social media?

Of course! Social media channels provide convenient utilities to communicate with people globally. Accordingly, you can stay connected with friends and family, access live support, share information, and find new opportunities.

• What are the signs of social media addiction?

While the symptoms may vary among users, they often include excessive amounts spent on social channels, lack of engagement with friends and family, dodging social events, abandoning former hobbies, reducing physical activities, poor educational or working performance, and more.

• What are the risks of oversharing on social media?

Oversharing personal data on social media could make it simpler for cyber criminals to learn about you and target you as an easy victim. Accordingly, many users release critical information on social media that leads to data loss, financial harm, and mental issues.

Sources

• Forbes
• The New York Times
• Demand Sage
• DataReportal
• AACAP
• Psych Central
• Ofcom
• Comparitech
• Pubmed
• Verywellfamily
• Science Daily
• Gitnux
• Pubmed
• Jama Psychiatry
• Psychiatry
• BusinessWire
• BroadbandSearch