Why Media Literacy Matters More Than Ever: A Mental Health Therapist’s Perspective

Have you ever watched your teen scroll through their feed and wondered, “How do they know what’s real?”

You’re not alone. Every day, young people navigate a digital world overflowing with news, opinions, memes, and ads, all competing for their attention. As a therapist, I see how this nonstop information stream affects teens’ mental health, shaping how they see themselves, others, and the world around them. That’s why media literacy, the ability to critically evaluate and understand media messages, isn’t just an academic skill. It’s a mental health skill.

The Issue: Information Overload Meets Adolescent Development

Teens today consume an average of nearly 8 hours of entertainment media daily, according to Common Sense Media. Much of this content is algorithm-driven, meaning platforms show users what’s likely to keep them engaged, not necessarily what’s true or healthy.

At the same time, adolescents are in a critical stage of identity formation. Their brains are wired for social connection, reward-seeking, and comparison. When their feeds are filled with highlight reels, edited selfies, and “news” that may or may not be accurate, it can be overwhelming.

As the American Psychological Association (APA) notes, repeated exposure to distorted or sensationalized media can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even polarization. Without tools to question what they see, young people may internalize unrealistic standards or adopt harmful beliefs about themselves and others.

Why It Matters: Media Messages Shape Mental Health

From body image to worldview, media influences more than we often realize. I’ve had countless teens tell me they “feel behind in life” after watching influencers post about success, travel, or relationships. Others have admitted feeling hopeless after doomscrolling through negative news cycles.

When students can’t tell what’s manipulated or misleading, such as AI-generated images or deepfake videos, their trust in information (and sometimes in adults) begins to erode. This confusion can lead to emotional fatigue, cynicism, or withdrawal from healthy dialogue.

In short, media literacy supports emotional resilience. It helps teens separate fact from fiction, marketing from reality, and curated perfection from authentic self-worth.

Actionable Tips: Helping Teens Build Media Literacy and Mental Health

Here are some ways parents and educators can weave media literacy into daily life:

1. Ask “How do you know?” Encourage kids to pause and think about where information comes from. Who created it? Why? What do they want me to believe or do?

2. Model critical thinking. When you come across a shocking headline or viral post, think out loud: “This seems dramatic. I wonder what source this came from.” Teens learn more from what we do than what we say.

3. Balance screen time with “green time.” Encourage time offline — outdoors, in conversation, or doing creative activities — to counterbalance digital overwhelm.

4. Teach about manipulated media.Show examples of AI-edited images or deepfakes (resources at Cyberwise.org) and discuss how to spot them.

5. Connect emotions to media habits.Help teens notice how certain content makes them feel. If certain accounts trigger stress or comparison, that’s valuable insight.

Encouragement and Resources

Media literacy doesn’t mean distrusting everything. It means learning to navigate digital spaces with awareness and confidence. When young people learn these skills, they become not just safer online but also emotionally stronger and more empathetic offline.

For classroom lessons, parent guides, and free tools to help your family or students grow their digital wisdom, visit Cyber Civics and Cyberwise.

Because in today’s world, media literacy is mental health literacy.

About the Author:

Connor joined the Cyber Civics team in 2023 with experience in both social work and marketing. In 2020 he earned his LMSW in Texas where he worked as a therapist in a private practice. He made the switch from direct practice to marketing and worked with therapists to help market the profession and practice. Connor now works for Cyber Civics and Cyberwise. After earning his Bachelors in English, Political Science and Counseling from the University of North Texas, he went on to receive his Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Continuing his studies, he earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Texas in 2022. He resides in Houston, TX with his fiancee and dog Leia. Connor feels that his role at Cyberwise and Cybercivics is the perfect place to make the much needed changes that help promote the mission of increasing digital literacy and online safety.