THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR EXAMINING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

This article addresses the rapidly emerging issue of the psychological influence of social networking platforms on young people. As social media occupies a central role in the everyday lives of younger users, their deep involvement in the digital environment gives rise to a range of psychological and social challenges, including the spread of cyberbullying, body dysmorphia, deficits in face-to-face communication skills, reduced levels of emotional intelligence, cognitive impairments, and increased vulnerability to mental health disorders. Against the backdrop of society’s digital transformation, the study highlights the necessity of exploring the theoretical underpinnings of social media’s psychological effects on youth. Particular attention is given to new content formats, such as accelerated consumption patterns and short-form videos (e.g., TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts). These formats contribute to the development of clip thinking (a cognitive style characterized by fragmented and discontinuous processing of information), intensify sensory overload, and may trigger shifts in both cognitive functioning and emotional regulation. The article presents an overview of contemporary research on the psychological consequences of social media use, outlines the multiple levels of its influence on the individual, identifies existing gaps in the literature, and proposes directions for future inquiry.