Tanja Jovanovic, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and the David and Patricia Barron Chair for PTSD Neurobiology at Wayne State University, where she directs the Detroit Trauma Project. Her research employs psychophysiological and brain imaging methods to investigate biomarkers of risk for trauma-related psychopathology, such as PTSD, in trauma-exposed adults and children. Dr. Jovanovic is the lead investigator on several federal grants from the National Institutes of Health. She has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers and served on national and international grant review panels.
Article3 min read
Is Social Media Causing My Depression and Anxiety?
- Tanja Jovanovic PhD
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3
Social media connects you to the world, but it can also take a serious toll on mental health. Science shows a strong link between unchecked social media use and increased rates of depression and anxiety. Research also shows that excessive social media, defined presently as use that has a negative impact on your daily life, is strongly linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and body image struggles—issues that disproportionately affect women. Teenage girls are particularly vulnerable, with a study from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia revealing that 98% of girls aged 14 to 19 have experienced cyberbullying, and 62% of these attacks targeted their appearance. This constant online scrutiny fuels body dissatisfaction and self-esteem struggles, creating a cycle of comparison and anxiety. But the impact isn’t limited to teenagers—women of all ages can develop an unhealthy relationship with social media that affects their mental well-being. Recognizing these risks is crucial for setting boundaries and cultivating a healthier, more empowering digital experience that affects their mental well-being. Recognizing these risks is crucial for setting boundaries and cultivating a healthier, more empowering digital experience.
Quiz: Do I Have a Healthy Relationship with Social Media?
| Unhealthy relationship with social media | Healthy relationship with social media |
| I spend more time interacting with people online than in person. My evenings and weekends are typically spent scrolling on the sofa. | I use social media to enhance my relationships but prioritize in-person plans with family and friends. |
| My phone is by my side 24 hours a day. I feel anxious or irritated when I don’t have access to it. | I check my phone periodically throughout the day but don’t feel tied to it. I can turn it off when I need to focus. |
| I lose track of time scrolling, often staying up later than I wanted to or neglecting responsibilities. | I’m aware of how much time I spend online and set limits when needed. |
| Seeing other people’s posts often makes me wish I had their life. They’re much more interesting and successful than I am. | I understand that social media is a highlight reel, and most of what I see is edited and curated. |
| My social media feed is flooded with one type of content (fitness, politics, etc.), and I rarely see perspectives outside my usual interests. | I intentionally follow diverse sources and viewpoints, though I recognize that algorithms may still prioritize content aligned with my preferences. I make an effort to seek out varied perspectives periodically. |
| I feel a strong urge to post regularly and check for likes and comments. It’s disappointing when I don’t get the engagement I was expecting. | I only post when I genuinely want to share something, and while I appreciate positive feedback, I don’t place excessive importance on likes and comments. I acknowledge that receiving likes can be enjoyable, but my self-worth isn't dependent on them. |
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