What is the relationship between social media and self-harm in adolescents?

Social media does not directly cause self-harm, but it can increase the risk for certain teenagers in specific situations. The algorithms of some platforms may favor the spread of content related to self-harm, suicide, and violence, which could have a particularly strong impact on teenagers with emotional vulnerabilities.

Research indicates that the type of social media use and the associated emotional experiences are more relevant than the duration of exposure. Furthermore, it is speculated that social media may amplify pre-existing vulnerabilities such as depression and low self-esteem, rather than being an independent trigger.