Emotional needs and social media: Platform behavior patterns and adolescent well-being

Ben Libon (Ph.D. student) & Lance Porter. “Emotional needs and social media: Platform behavior patterns and adolescent well-being,” Paper to be presented at the 76th Annual International Communication Association Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, June 4-8.  Abstract: Over 95% of U.S. teens (ages 13–17) use at least one social platform (NIH, 2023), yet research on social media and mental health often treats use as homogeneous “screen time,” overlooking platform differences. With over 15 platforms exceeding 500 million monthly users (Dixon, 2025), experiences and audiences vary significantly. This study examines platform-specific links between adolescents’ use and well-being, including loneliness, fear of missing out (FoMO), and self-esteem, alongside motivations for use (entertainment, social connection, and information), and overall screen time. Findings indicate platform effects are not generalizable: the impact of active social media use (posting) versus passive use (checking) use depends on the platform’s affordances and norms. Clearer patterns emerge for time and motivations. Very high daily use (10+ hours) is associated with higher loneliness and FoMO and lower self-esteem compared with moderate use (<6 hours). Teens who use social media primarily for social connection also report higher FoMO. This study’s results underscore the need for platform and motivation-specific guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.