A growing chorus of Gen Z voices is sounding the alarm about the impact of social media on their wellbeing and a fresh survey confirms what many already suspect: growing up online is taking a toll. Hallie Zilberman, a 17-year-old junior at Aspen High School in Colorado, took her concerns a step further, surveying 1,084 teenage girls across the United States to quantify the effects of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The results, she says, are deeply unsettling.
Zilberman’s research revealed that roughly 6 in 10 teenage girls report feeling overwhelmed daily, experiencing anxiety, and grappling with intense pressure to present a perfect image. Perhaps most disturbingly, nearly half – 48.6% – have contemplated self-harm in the past six months. “That was really upsetting for me, because that’s basically 50% of girls in my classes, 50% of the girls at the cafeteria at lunch,” Zilberman explained. She’s witnessed firsthand the hidden struggles of her peers, observing self-harm scars and hearing hushed conversations about mental health challenges. The survey findings underscore a growing awareness among young people that social media has robbed them of their time, their happiness, and their wellbeing.
A Generation Under Pressure
Zilberman’s work arrives as scrutiny of social media’s impact on young people intensifies. A landmark trial in Los Angeles is currently underway, where a 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, is suing Meta and Google, alleging that their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive to children. TikTok and Snapchat have already settled similar claims. The case highlights a growing legal and public health concern about the manipulative design features employed by social media companies.
The anxieties surrounding social media aren’t limited to the courtroom. Victoria Hinks, whose 16-year-old daughter Alexandra, known as Owl, died by suicide in August 2024, believes social media played a significant role in her daughter’s struggles. Hinks described finding disturbing content on her daughter’s phone, including material that “normalizing depression and glamorizing suicide,” as she told reporters recently. She specifically cited the prevalence of harmful trends like the “skeleton bride diet” and images promoting unrealistic body standards.
The Appeal and the Exit
Despite recognizing the negative effects, Zilberman acknowledges the difficulty of disconnecting. “The amount of people I’ve heard say, ‘I hate TikTok,’ but then never delete it is scary,” she said. This sentiment reflects the addictive nature of these platforms, a central argument in the KGM trial. The lawsuit alleges that companies utilize algorithms designed to maximize user engagement, even at the expense of mental health. (Meta and Google have denied these allegations.)
Driven by her findings, Zilberman recently deleted TikTok and Instagram from her own phone, hoping to inspire her peers to do the same. She believes that young people have the agency to reclaim their time and wellbeing. “I consider kids who want to change their lives can make it happen. I think teenagers have agency,” she stated.
Beyond Individual Action: A Call for Empowerment
Zilberman’s optimism is echoed by a growing movement advocating for greater awareness of the dangers of excessive social media leverage. However, she cautions against a sense of helplessness, arguing that framing young people as mere “puppets at the whim of Big Tech” can be counterproductive. Instead, she emphasizes the need to empower young people to take control of their digital lives.
That empowerment can take many forms, from parents setting boundaries around social media use to schools implementing phone bans. There’s also a burgeoning wave of youth-led initiatives focused on digital wellbeing. Examples include phone-free parties gaining popularity in cities like New York, and young men creating apps to combat pornography addiction and promote healthier online habits. New apps designed to limit screen time are also emerging, offering innovative tools for self-regulation. These apps represent a proactive approach to managing technology, rather than simply succumbing to its pull.
Zilberman reports that since deleting the apps, her life has improved significantly. “I’ve been more efficient with my work. I have more time to spend with family and friends. I’ve actually been looking at the world around me,” she said. “I keep telling people your life will get better.”
The KGM trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with closing arguments anticipated in late April. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the legal liability of social media companies and the future regulation of online platforms. As the debate over social media’s impact on youth continues, Zilberman’s research serves as a powerful reminder that the voices of young people themselves are crucial to finding solutions.
If you or someone you understand is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
What steps are you taking to manage your relationship with social media? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
