The Effects of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: Research, Risks, and Coping Strategies Introduction: Why This Matters Brief overview of teen social media usage and anxiety trends Social media is part of daily life for most teens. In the United States, about **95%** of teens report access to a smartphone and roughly **45%** say they are online "almost constantly" (Pew Research Center, 2018). Globally, patterns are similar: platforms shape communication, identity, and leisur