Social media is a major part of daily life and this is especially true for teenagers. Whether they’re posting, liking or simply scrolling through content, teens are constantly engaging with social media constantly. While much of the conversation around social media focuses on its impact on mental health, screen addiction and online safety, there’s another important issue that often gets overlooked: how social media is affecting the nature of friendships among teens.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat encourage users to share their lives publicly and frequently. This constant sharing creates an online environment where comparison, gossip and even exclusion can thrive. One specific issue that comes up is something many teens experience is FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

FOMO isn’t a new concept; people of all ages feel it at times, but social media intensifies it to a whole new level. When teens see posts of their friends at parties, concerts or other events they weren’t invited to, it can build tension between friendships. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform. With that many teens online, it’s no surprise that friendships are being affected by what is and isn’t shared.

In some cases, seeing a friend hang out with someone else can spark jealousy or lead to misunderstandings. In other cases, it can escalate into gossip or online drama, causing real tension in offline relationships.

When social media was first created, it was popular because of all of the ways it provided people with connections and ways to share photos and videos. While this idea seems like one that would bring more people together, over time, it has done just the opposite. Specifically with Gen Z, social media has provided an escape from reality; it has given people the opportunity to shy away from personal connections and live inside the bubble of watching others’ lives.

As social media keeps growing and progressing, it is important for the world to remember life outside of the internet. So, next time you are with friends or family, remember to enjoy the moment and make memories instead of watching other people.