Adolescent mental health in the face of influencers: between risks and opportunities

In an age when social networks into every aspect of teenagers' daily lives, the phenomenon of the influencers redesigns the construction of theidentity and perception of emotional well-being from an early age.

Faced with the explosion of sponsored content and the multiplication of standards of perfection, mental health is being put to the test.anxiety, l'self-esteem never before has the pressure of the image or the fragility of the environment reached such proportions in Generation Z. Research carried out by institutions such as the Universitat Pompeu Fabra under the direction of Clara Virós-Martín and Gisela Hansen have drawn an alarming conclusion: repeated exposure to a hyper-codified digital world influences the perception of the mental health and the search forauthenticity in teenagers.

How can we distinguish between risks and opportunities, when platforms like Instagram and the new virtual ambassadors become part of everyday life? Visit influencer marketingat the heart of this upheaval, is no longer content to promote brands: it is taking over the narrative around the mental healthSometimes they enhance it, sometimes they jeopardize it. Today's young people are embracing these codes, but at what cost to their emotional equilibrium, their sense of self-worth? body image or their ability to develop a critical mind? This dossier offers a nuanced and documented reading of the issues surrounding the growing power of influencers, giving a voice to recent studies, French-speaking activists and current schemes for a healthier and more responsible online presence.

Influencers and social networks: A major impact on young people's mental health

The advent of social networks has turned traditional codes of influence and communication with young people on their head. In the space of barely a decade, millions of teenagers have come to trust influencersThey have become veritable prescribers of trends, values and behaviors. Their power can be seen at every level, from consumption to relationship choices, to the way we perceive success or failure.

This constant interaction is not without effect on the mental health of the most vulnerable users. A study by Pompeu Fabra University, carried out on 4,800 European teenagers in 2024, reveals that 77 % girls surveyed believe that influencer accounts influence their mood and self-confidence. Social validation mechanisms, such as the number of comments or likes, polarize emotions all the more: a poorly performing publication can, on its own, trigger anxiety or feelings of rejection.

All influencers no longer stop at promoting brands: they convey ideals, sometimes unattainable, that shape thebody image and personal aspirations. Exposure to content harmonized by filtersIn this case, the editing or selection of the best moments often distorts the perception of reality. The risk: a rise in depression and anxiety disorders, aggravated by feelings of loneliness or systematic comparison.

• Increased anxiety and sleep disorders in highly connected teenagers

• Constant pressure to be "seen" or validated online

• Erosion of the boundary between privacy and public exposure

• Decreased self-esteem in the absence of positive feedback

Risk factors	Incidence in adolescents (%)
Daily exposure to influencers	82
Reports of social networking anxiety	56
Perceived social comparison	71

Current digital trends: Influencers and social standards at the heart of Generation Z

Generation Z is growing up in an environment where success is sometimes measured in subscribers and collaborations. Visit influencers They embody both accessibility and scarcity: "anyone" can become a trendsetter, but only a few profiles achieve lasting notoriety. The ideals conveyed are often based on filtered lifestyles, impeccable image management and the ability to attract the support of massive communities.

The current digital panorama reveals some major findings:

• Rise of micro-influencers specialized in well-being and personal development

• Standardization of mental health - but sometimes at the cost of oversimplification

• Increasing weight of algorithms in highlighting popular versus authentic content

• High expectations of brands in terms of transparency and social commitment

Platform	Teenagers (%)	The role of influencers
Instagram	87	Lifestyle models, beauty and mental health
Youtube	69	Educational content and personal testimonials
TikTok	75	Challenges, express trends and friendships

The rise of likes, filters and algorithms: How engagement dynamics affect psychological health

The massive use of likesfilters and the logic of algorithms lead to a competition for popularity, whose impact on the mental health is far from negligible. Each new feature accentuates dependence on digital approval: the race for views imposes an intense rhythm of exposure, often diminishing the ability to stand back.

• Development of selective display strategies to appeal to the widest possible audience

• Teenagers' skewed perception of reality and success

• Increased risk of depression in the event of damage to online reputation

Digital mechanism	Effect on young people
Filters and touch-ups	Low self-esteem, emerging eating disorders
Likes and shares	Mood fluctuations, dependence on approval
Algorithms	Strengthening of opinion bubbles, social isolation

Faced with these facts, it is urgent to rethink digital practices in order to limit the toxicity of comparisons and encourage the sharing of benevolent content.

Psychological effects of influence marketing on adolescents' self-esteem and well-being

Influencer marketing generates a dual effect: it stimulates interest in mental well-being, while exposing teenagers to sometimes unattainable role models. The most influential accounts orchestrate, on a global scale, a constant valorization of performance, beauty or displayed happiness. In this context social comparison becomes a reflex: every story, every viral challenge invites us to measure our own success against that of others.

A report conducted in 2023 by the "Santé Numérique Jeunesse" mission highlights that 68 % adolescents regularly feel stressed by the perfection promoted by their favorite influencers. The phenomenon is amplified among teenage girls (71 %), a figure confirmed by Clara Virós-Martín and Gisela Hansen, whose work examines how identification with idealized role models intensifies pressure on self-esteem and accentuates theanxiety.

• Increased self-criticism and loss of self-confidence

• Unrestrained search for positive feedback and adaptation of online behavior

• Difficulty in differentiating between the real and the fictitious, especially when faced with sponsored content

• Explosion of network-related consultations for anxiety disorders

Psychological consequences	Percentage of young people concerned (%)
Lack of self-esteem after exposure to influencers	66
Increased anxiety and low self-esteem	58
Greater sense of belonging	45

Social comparison and unrealistic expectations: Key data on young people's exposure to influencers

Researchers at Pompeu Fabra University, including Clara Virós-MartínIn a recent study on the impact of social media on teenagers, the authors point out that repeated exposure to influencers intensifies the tendency to upward comparison: by seeing perfect lives, flawless appearances and exceptional achievements, teenagers often feel inferior and under pressure. This mechanism can lead to breakdowns in the sense of belonging, discouragement in the face of persistent stereotypes, and a reinforcement of compensatory behaviors online.

• The emergence of mental wellness coaches and raw testimonials as decompression tools

• Mobilizing supportive communities to combat loneliness and povertyanxiety

• Personal tracking charts and digital detox: recent trends to limit overconsumption of content

At a time when the psychological consequences are becoming tangible, it seems essential to raise awareness among young people about the diversity of paths, to promote theauthenticity and to deconstruct the myths carried by the sphere of influence. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of seeking qualified help in the event of persistent disorders.

Ethics, Responsibility, and Marketing: Protecting Young People's Mental Health from Sponsored Content

The rise of influencer marketing, while it has advantages for relaying positive messages about mental health, also raises major ethical questions regarding the protection of young people. According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA), the absence of sufficiently clear barriers in certain national legislation leaves the door open to abuses: disguised advertising, promotion of unsuitable or even harmful products for minors.

Some organizations such as the International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) impose strict supervision of campaigns aimed at young audiences, particularly in the food and health sectors. The use of the hashtag #Sponsored, transparency of collaborations and clear identification of partnerships are now at the heart of the recommendations of responsible marketing experts.

• Visible identification of sponsored content to ensure teen trust

• Exclusion of the promotion of products that may disrupt the mental health or physical: dangerous diets, tobacco, alcohol, etc.

• Respect for bodily and cultural diversity in the content offered

• Encouraging collaboration between influencers and mental health professionals

Good practice	Expected effect on the mental health of young people
Transparency of sponsored content	Increased confidence, reliable information
Promoting diversity and inclusion	Reduction of stereotypes, better self-esteem
Collaboration with certified psychologists or educators	Relevant advice, prevention of risky behavior

Transparency, Diversity, and Best Practices: A Guide to Healthier Influencer Marketing

Faced with the power of the influencers On youth, guides are emerging to structure the practices of brands and designers. The ICC and EASA recommend in particular:

• The inclusion of clear mentions such as #sponsored or #ad in all paid publications

• Promoting creators who advocate transparency and mental well-being

• Training influencers in responsibility social and psychological impact of their messages

• Raising awareness among young consumers about advertising mechanisms and the value of information sources

On the platform side, collaborations with the IFBA are increasing: in France, a pilot scheme currently limits the distribution of food advertising aimed at children under 13, with mandatory display of prevention messages. This approach aims to prevent the establishment of unrealistic expectations and risky eating behaviors among young or impressionable audiences.

Ethical recommendation	Expected impact
Limiting product placements unsuitable for minors	Reduced exposure to dangerous models
Supporting the training of influencers	Professionalization and quality content
Supporting diversity in influencer campaigns	Better representation of bodies and profiles

These initiatives invite all stakeholders to make the preservation of mental health young people a priority, so that influencer marketing becomes a positive lever rather than an additional risk factor.

Virtual Influencers and AI: New Risks for Adolescents' Psychological Vulnerability

By 2025, the emergence of virtual influencers, designed using AI and cutting-edge technologies, is further disrupting teenagers' benchmarks. According to a recent European survey, these digital avatars now capture twice as much attention from young Internet users as human influencers, thanks to constant innovation and the renewal of their image.

But this attraction to the virtual is not without danger: behind a perfect appearance, computer-generated influencers impose unattainable physical standards and distort the perception of reality. Experts point to the major risk of confusion, but also the increased difficulty in distinguishing fiction from reality, particularly among the most vulnerable. Even more difficult: the multiplication of comparisons, which reinforces the feeling of inadequacy,anxiety and discomfort.

• Reinforcement of fascination with fictional models, to the detriment of self-acceptance

• Difficulties in identifying the advertising or commercial nature of the content

• Danger of imitating unrealistic behaviors (extreme diets, altered appearances, etc.)

Effects of virtual influencers	On the mental health of young people
Digital physical models	Deterioration of self-esteem, pressure to conform
Lack of real emotional reference points	Risk of isolation, difficulty in qualifying reality

Knowing how to interpret, contextualize and decipher these new forms of influence is becoming a central issue for the mental health and psychological development of adolescents.

Supporting young people to develop a critical view of digital and virtual influencers

Supporting young people in developing a critical outlook must become an educational and social priority. Families, schools, and institutions must teach adolescents to decode the content digital, to decipher the mechanisms of influence, to question the validity and intention of the messages.

• Setting up workshops on how algorithms work and the impact of the data collected

• Creation of support networks to discuss negative experiences related to influencers

• Encouragement to report potentially harmful messages or content

• Raising awareness of the diversity of career paths and the difference between real success and staged success

Emotional education would benefit from prioritizing direct exchanges, the expression of emotions, and the valorization of personal experience in the face of the pressure of digital standards. This strategy significantly reduces the strength ofanxiety and encourages critical distancing from models that are too smooth to be true.

Preserving the mental health of young people: Advice, positive initiatives and the role of committed stakeholders

Faced with the complexity of the ecosystem, preserving the psychological balance of the younger generation requires collective mobilization. The role of parents, educators, influencers, and digital platforms is fundamental in guiding a consumption social networks that are both responsible and enriching.

• Change screen settings and limit connection time on high-exposure platforms

• Favor quality over quantity by selecting contents credible, based on expertise and goodwill

• Discuss with family or at school the experiences and emotional feelings related to the use of networks

• Promoting the importance of real life, mutual aid and offline sharing

Brands and influencers also have a vital role to play in making mental health a tangible priority in their strategies: refusal of disinformation, support for diversity of profiles, refusal of the glorification of dangerous products.

Actor	Lever for action for mental health
Parents	Support, emotional expression, delimitation of uses
Schools	Workshops on disinformation, training in content analysis
Influencers	Authentic testimonies, sharing of sourced information
Platforms	Anti-disinformation filters, regulation of advertising for minors

We are thus observing the rise of positive campaigns where the hashtag #SantéMentale is gaining ground, boosting demand for psychological help and reducing stigma through the public speaking of committed creators.

Promote responsible digital consumption and promote caring influencers

To promote balance, it's important to adopt a series of simple steps, from carefully selecting the influencers you follow to regularly reviewing your subscriptions. It's best to prioritize creators committed to combating misinformation, promoting diversity, and supporting the community.

• Limit the consumption of anxiety-provoking content, in particular by self-determining its priorities

• Take a step back after each session, even if it means taking short breaks to disconnect

• Measure the real influence of each account on one's own emotions

• If in doubt, seek the advice of professionals. mental health before following any advice or recommendations

Beneficial behavior	Concrete result
Choose influencers who are transparent about their partnerships	Building Confidence andself-esteem
Diversify content sources	Reducing toxic social comparison
Openly expressing emotions after exposure to influential content	Better stress management and grounding in reality

French-speaking experiences: Influencers committed to mental health and emotional education

Several French-speaking figures serve as role models today, both for their ability to address taboos related to mental health than for the concrete help they provide. We can cite, for example, the story of Lisa, a young designer who went through theanxiety severe, who shares “emotional decryptions” every week on YouTube and Instagram followed by several thousand subscribers. Alongside him, qualified professionals work to sweep away misinformation by popularizing preventive measures in mental health.

• Content on stress management, self-acceptance, and professional resources

• Testimonies on harassment, depression and rebuilding after failure

• Annual guest campaigns in schools or universities

This community dynamic, which reconciles authenticity, expertise and inclusion, today makes it possible to bring prevention closer to the field, to reduce shame and to promote a climate of listening, innovation and understanding.

French-speaking influencer	Specificity	Reported impact
Lisa	Authentic testimony about anxiety	Encouragement to seek help, destigmatization
Dr. Maxime	Popularizing psychiatrist	Reliable information, restored confidence
Sara & Co	Collective of committed students	Community support, practical workshops

Through these initiatives, a new horizon is emerging, where the discussion on mental health is asserting itself as a force and where influencers are finally becoming true partners in adolescent well-being.

FAQ: Influencers and Youth Mental Health

What are the main signs of a negative influence on young people's mental health?

The main manifestations are increased anxiety, loss of confidence, difficulty in unplugging from social networks, mood swings after exposure to certain content, as well as risky imitative behavior or an obsession with body image.

How can you limit the negative impact of influencers?

It's best to favor diversified content, limit the amount of time spent on networks, regularly share your feelings and find out about the origin and credibility of the creators you follow. Parents and guardians can introduce periods of disconnection and encourage the exploration of other offline interests.

Are there any regulatory initiatives to protect teenagers from risky sponsored content?

Yes, several organizations such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), EASA and IFBA have issued codes of conduct. In France, we encourage transparency in partnerships and limit advertising to children under 13. New European measures should further strengthen this protection.

Can influencers have a positive impact on young people's mental health?

Absolutely! Many authentic creators, including some healthcare professionals, share advice, testimonials and resources on self-esteem, resilience or stress management. They are helping to normalize the dialogue on mental health and create supportive communities.

How can you recognize reliable mental health content on social networks?

Give preference to content produced in collaboration with certified professionals, who cite their sources transparently, and check for the presence of legal notices such as #sponsorisé or #ad to distinguish advertising from information. When in doubt, consult specialists or institutional resources.

Explore our publications on teen mental health and social media: X Mental health of adolescents in the face of social networks, LinkedIn: Mental Health of Teenagers and Social Media, Pinterest: Adolescent Mental Health and Social Media, Facebook: Adolescent Mental Health and Social Media, Instagram: Mental Health of Teenagers and Social Media, Mental health threads for teenagers and social media