The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents' Self-Regulation and Empathy: A Literature Analysis of Social Psychology and Digital Behavior
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26858/cjpko.v17i2.298Keywords:
Adolescents;, Social Media;, Self-Regulation;, Empathy;, Digital Behavior.Abstract
This study aims to analyze the impact of social media on adolescents’ self-regulation and empathy by reviewing 25 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2014 and 2024. Utilizing a qualitative literature review method and thematic content analysis, the research explores patterns and outcomes drawn from recent empirical findings in social psychology and digital behavior. The results reveal a dual impact of social media use. Regarding self-regulation, 13 studies (52%) reported negative outcomes such as decreased attention control, increased impulsivity, and dependence on online validation. Conversely, 8 studies (32%) found that certain digital tools, like habit-tracking apps or reflective content, can enhance self-monitoring and emotional control. For empathy, 10 studies (40%) indicated positive effects—such as increased affective empathy through exposure to online social campaigns—while 9 studies (36%) showed negative effects, like emotional desensitization and reduced cognitive empathy due to diminished face-to-face interaction. The remaining articles presented mixed results. Contextual factors such as interaction type (active vs. passive use), platform characteristics, age, and parental mediation were found to moderate the psychological outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of promoting mindful, purposeful social media use and call for collaborative strategies involving educators, parents, and policymakers to support adolescents’ emotional development in digital spaces.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Arfia Salsa Aulia Sahab, Muhammad Nur Hidayat Nurdin, Ismalandari Ismail (Author)
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