The Impact of Social Media Use on Musculoskeletal Pain and Mental Health Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: For teenagers and young adults, social media has become an essential part of everyday life. Social engagement, education, entertainment, and communication have all been revolutionized by platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and X. However, extended usage of social media has sparked worries about one's physical and mental well-being. According to new research, excessive social media use may increase the risk of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and diminished psychological well-being while also contributing to musculoskeletal pain through bad posture and extended screen time. The purpose of this systematic review is to compile the information that is currently available about how social media use affects young adults' and adolescents' musculoskeletal pain and mental health. Methodology: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) standards were used in conducting this systematic review. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were found by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Included were studies assessing young adults' and adolescents' usage of social media, musculoskeletal complaints, and mental health outcomes. Narrative synthesis and data extraction were done. Results: Through database searching, 1,387 records in all were found. Twenty-four studies satisfied the inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility evaluation. Long-term usage of social media has been linked in the majority of studies to neck discomfort, shoulder pain, upper back pain, and bad posture. Furthermore, sadness, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, loneliness, and low self-esteem have all been repeatedly linked to excessive social media use. There is a dose-response association between screen time and hazards to one's physical and mental health, according to several research. Conclusion: Teenagers and young adults who use social media excessively have worse mental health outcomes as well as musculoskeletal pain. To lessen these health effects, activities to promote mental health, digital wellbeing, ergonomic awareness, and educational interventions are required.