Social Media's Anxiety Impact: How Art Therapy Empowers Teens to Cope

In our current digital age, adolescents are more interconnected than at any time before, as sites such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat play significant roles in their everyday lives. Although these platforms facilitate connections, they bring along various issues related to teenage mental well-being. There has been an increase in worries regarding teen anxiety and depression, often tied back to extensive engagement with social media. This trend encourages investigation into new strategies for managing emotional responses. Among them, art therapy stands out as a promising method offering young individuals a means to express themselves artistically and reduce tension.

The Effect of Social Media on Adolescent Psychological Well-being

New research has highlighted the substantial impact of social media on young people. A recent study from the Pew Research Center’s “Teens, Social Media & Technology 2024” indicates that close to half of American teenagers (46 percent) claim they are virtually always connected online—a notable rise compared to earlier periods. This increased screen time aligns with higher levels of stress and sadness. In particular, teenagers who spend over three hours each day engaging with these platforms are twice as likely to encounter psychological problems such as depressive episodes and anxious states, according to findings from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The drive to present an idealised version of themselves alongside worries about not keeping up with peers' activities can intensify feelings of self-doubt and loneliness amongst youth.

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy serves as a therapeutic approach that employs the act of creating art to boost mental health and overall wellness. Guided by certified art therapists, individuals can convey their feelings through artistic expression rather than using spoken language, which aids in personal discovery and insight. The American Art Therapy Association states that this method helps reduce stress levels, elevate confidence, and build stronger emotional fortitude.

Advantages of Art Therapy for Teenagers

For teens facing the stresses of social media, art therapy provides numerous benefits:

Emotional Release: Through art, adolescents can express their sentiments in a secure environment where they may struggle to verbalize these feelings directly, which helps them navigate intricate emotional landscapes.
Reducing Stress: Participating in creative pursuits can have a soothing impact, aiding in decreasing stress and anxiety. Research featured in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association revealed that individuals who engaged for about 45 minutes in creative tasks experienced a notable drop in their cortisol levels—a key indicator of stress.
Boosted Confidence Through Art: Finishing art assignments often leads to a feeling of achievement, thereby enhancing self-assurance and personal value. According to the American Art Therapy Association, engaging in this form of therapy cultivates self-respect and greater self-understanding.
Enhanced Social Abilities: Participating in group art therapy sessions promotes teamwork and dialogue, nurturing a feeling of unity and inclusion. According to research from Lesley University titled "Unified Co-Op Art: Empowerment and Collaboration through Group Art Therapy and a Community Engagement Art Show," such therapeutic activities can improve interactions between peers among students.

Integrating Art Therapy into the Digital Age

Incorporating art therapy into the routines of technology-oriented teenagers demands creative methods.

Utilising Apps and Software for Digital Creation: These tools can enhance accessibility and appeal of art therapy among teens who are used to interacting with digital platforms.
Blended Workshops: Merging physical attendance with online art therapy sessions offers adaptability, catering to different timetables and personal preferences.
Integrating Social Media: Motivating adolescents to post their creations online has the potential to turn these digital forums into environments that foster constructive feedback and personal expression, thereby mitigating adverse interactions they might encounter elsewhere.