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Younger people, especially students, often go through a phase where isolation is appealing. This affects teens early on, decreasing the chances of them building connections and later causing them to feel left out.
“Extreme shyness, meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can become an extreme fear,” school psychologist Danette Beitra said. “Everyday social situations become uncomfortable.”
Social anxiety can be genetic, but people who also experience teasing, bullying, rejection or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety, mainly affecting teens by making them feel alone and disappointed over missed opportunities like going out or building meaningful memories and friendships.
Healthy social connections and positive relationships with people, like family members, friends, and schoolmates, can lower anxiety and depression. Lacking social and physical contact can affect school life and other daily activities, creating difficulty in maintaining and making friends.
Social anxiety among teens is something many are grappling with. This increase in social anxiety is partly to blame on technology. Although technology has made social interaction easier, the social interaction from things like phones and computers tends to be superficial.
The pressure from social media can be overwhelming, and constantly seeing others’ whereabouts through apps like Instagram can make teens feel like they don’t measure up, leading to a fear of missing out (FOMO).
The pandemic additionally increased anxiety levels. Being cut off from friends during lockdown left many young people feeling disconnected. Through trying to navigate friendships, many were left with the fear of being judged, causing them to withdraw even more.
COVID-19 dramatically reshaped how youth interact by shifting social connections online, limiting face-to-face interactions, and increasing social anxiety.
Because of these issues, it’s important for parents, teachers, and friends to foster welcoming environments where teens feel safe to share their feelings.
Making friends with social anxiety can be tough, but there are some simple ways to make this process feel a bit easier. Look for activities or groups that align with your interests—these settings can help spark conversations without too much pressure.
Those little moments can help build your confidence.
“Developing a series of learning experiences to help you work on your therapy goals and overcome your social anxiety in small, manageable steps,” National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC) co-founder Larry Cohen said.
Resolving social anxiety in teens can start with understanding and support. One effective way to help individuals with social anxiety is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which allows them to challenge negative thoughts and face social situations. Getting involved in group activities like sports or clubs can also be a comfortable space to make friends.
“I just get nervous when I talk to people,” Senior Mario Bacamen comments. “I have a fear of being judged, and I’ve had negative past experiences. I often contemplate and struggle to even maintain a conversation.”
Additionally, practicing mindful techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help alleviate anxiety in the moment.
“I’ve never sought help, possibly because I think I could deal with it on my own,” Bacamen said. “I also don’t want people to think I’m cheesy or corny.”
For many teens, social anxiety isn’t just an occasional feeling; it’s something they deal with every day. Social media adds to the pressure, making it feel like they always have to be “on” or perfect, which can exhaust them.
When a space is created where teens feel safe and accepted they can manage anxiety and build confidence needed to face the world one step at a time.
