Social Media's Impact on Amplifying Social Anxiety Issues

Social media, a ubiquitous part of modern life, can significantly influence our emotional well-being, particularly in terms of social anxiety. According to Charna Cassell, a licensed marriage and family therapist, the idealized portrayals on social media feeds can cause social anxiety if one feels they don't measure up or becomes overly concerned about others' perceptions or the comparison between their online and offline lives.

Social anxiety disorder, the second most common anxiety disorder, is characterized by symptoms such as significant fear or anxiety of being judged, fear or anxiety of being in social situations, avoidance of social situations, fear or anxiety that doesn't match the possible threat, and intense distress or impairment in occupational, social, and cognitive areas, as outlined in the DSM-5.

Research suggests that social media use could potentially cause or exacerbate these symptoms. A 2018 study indicates that social media use could result in a fear of missing out (FOMO), while longer use of social media platforms may be associated with increased symptoms of social anxiety.

On the other hand, perceived social support on social media, as shown in a 2014 study, may benefit people living with social anxiety symptoms. However, 'unhealthy' social media use, such as checking it first thing in the morning or feeling compulsive use, may be indicative of addiction, potentially leading to addictive behaviours and emotional stress, including increased social anxiety symptoms, especially among adolescents.

In the United States, more than 72% of the population currently use at least one social media platform, with over 223 million people using social media. In Germany, about 49% of the population use social media, according to Eurostat data from 2025, indicating nearly half of Germans are social media users. However, specific prevalence rates for social media users who experience social anxiety triggered by social media in Germany are not clearly quantified.

It's important to note that social media can also trigger the reward system in the brain, causing the release of dopamine, a "feel good" hormone. This can potentially increase or intensify symptoms of social anxiety, particularly when FOMO leads to comparing one's experiences with others, sometimes creating a sense of inadequacy.

A review of studies points to a few findings suggesting that people with social anxiety may be more prone to problematic social media use. Research also suggests that compulsive use of social media may trigger social media fatigue in adolescents.

In conclusion, while social media can provide a platform for social connection and support, it's crucial to be mindful of its potential impact on mental health, particularly social anxiety. It's essential to maintain a balanced approach to social media use, ensuring it doesn't become a source of unnecessary stress or anxiety.