Social Media and Risky behavior in Adolescents: A Review of Research

Abstract

In today’s digital landscape, social media plays a central role in shaping adolescent behavior, identity, and social interactions. While it offers avenues for self-expression, creativity, and peer connectivity, growing concerns have emerged about its association with increased delinquency proneness in youth. This paper critically reviews existing literature to examine how social media use may contribute to behavioral tendencies linked with delinquency, such as impulsivity, aggression, defiance, and rule-breaking.

Drawing on established theories including Social Learning Theory, Routine Activity Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the paper highlights mechanisms through which social media may reinforce delinquent behavior. These include exposure to deviant content, peer contagion in online communities, participation in risky online trends, and involvement in cyberbullying. Additionally, the review explores how psychological vulnerabilities like poor self-regulation, identity confusion, and sensation seeking can interact with digital platforms to increase risk.

Family dynamics, particularly reduced parental supervision and modeling of online behavior, are also discussed as significant environmental factors. Despite these risks, the paper identifies protective elements such as digital literacy education, parental involvement, and participation in positive online and offline communities.

This review concludes with implications for educational policy, parental strategies, mental health support, and the responsibilities of tech platforms. It underscores the need for multi-level interventions to guide adolescents toward healthy digital engagement and prevent the escalation of delinquency-related behaviors.