Psychologists agree: teens’ self-esteem increasingly shaped by social media and AI

Adolescence is a stage of life in which young people are constantly searching for their identity. However, the environment in which they experience this journey has changed dramatically in recent years. According to the findings presented at ‘Learn from the Best’, a seminar organized by the Higher Institute of Psychological Studies (ISEP), the world surrounding today’s teenagers has undergone a significant transformation.

Today, the development of identity, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging is no longer shaped primarily by family and friends. Instead, it is increasingly influenced by likes, comments, filters, and algorithms. The digital environment has amplified social comparison to unprecedented levels. Teenagers now measure themselves against carefully edited, selectively curated, and sometimes entirely false representations of reality. This dynamic creates constant pressure to conform to standards that are often far removed from real life.

AI has changed the landscape

The rise of artificial intelligence tools has made this stage of development even more complex. Teenagers are no longer interacting only with other users online. Many now engage in conversations with chatbots that can, at times, take on roles traditionally filled by trusted adults. The effects of these digital behaviors are becoming increasingly measurable and easier to study.

According to the 2025 Youth, Health, and Well-Being Barometer published by the Reina Sofía Center, more than half of young people between the ages of 15 and 29 reported experiencing mental health challenges during the past year. Symptoms such as anxiety, chronic fatigue, and unwanted loneliness have increased significantly. One of the most concerning findings involves anxiety, whose prevalence rose from 31.4% in 2021 to nearly 40% in 2025.

In response to these trends, psychologists emphasize the importance of providing young people with more human-centered support. The goal should not be to ban these technologies, but rather to ensure they serve as genuinely helpful tools without replacing parents, mentors, or friends. According to experts, the key lies in creating spaces where teenagers do not feel pressured to seek approval from others and can simply be themselves.

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