Two roads diverge in cyberspace: dual but opposing social media pathways affecting teens’ well-being

Purpose Many believe that any social media harms kids because of frequent use. This study aims to examine these assumptions. It proposes and tests a model that considers two alternative pathways – one negative and one positive – through which social media affects teens’ self-reported subjective well-being. Design/methodology/approach This research used Preacher and Hayes process modeling to conduct path analysis on data collected on 585 teenagers from across the USA. Findings Results showed that along a negative pathway, frequent social media use leads to greater risky social media engagement that ultimately diminishes adolescent’s sense of well-being. Also, and perhaps simultaneously, frequent social media use leads to socially-connected social media use that enhances adolescent’s sense of well-being. Practical implications The research recommends ways parents, policymakers and platforms can encourage teens to use social media to connect with friends while guiding them away from pathways exposing them to risky behaviors. Originality/value Findings show more social media use is not necessarily harmful, but more of some types is bad, while more of others is good.