The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in the United States: The Role of Algorithms

Authors

  • Ghazal Behravan Mental Health and Addictions, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • Lovejeet Manger Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University
  • Salwan Rassam Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), McMaster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/mujph.v3i1.4109

Keywords:

Social Media, Mental Health, Algorithms, Social Media Addiction, Problematic Social Media Use

Abstract

Social media has revolutionized how people think, connect, behave, and interact with one another. In this paper, we take a deeper dive into Social Media Addiction (SMA), Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), and the role that engaging algorithms and an attention-driven economy play in the development of these phenomena. We also look at current American policies on this matter, and conclude with evidence-based policy changes and calls to action.

Author Biography

Salwan Rassam, Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), McMaster University

Corresponding Author

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Published

2026-03-28

How to Cite

Behravan, G., Manger, L., & Rassam, S. (2026). The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in the United States: The Role of Algorithms. McMaster University Journal of Public Health, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.15173/mujph.v3i1.4109

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): McMaster University Journal of Public Health (MUJPH)

Section

Opinion Editorials

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