Over 5 Billion on Social Media, but at What Cost? Experts Warn of Cyberbullying’s Lingering Impact on Youth

As of 2025, 63.9% of the world’s population is active on social media—that’s over 5 billion people regularly scrolling, posting, and engaging with content on platforms that have become an everyday part of life. While social media continues to serve as a powerful tool for global connection, self-expression, and entertainment, it also harbors a darker reality, especially for younger users: the growing and deeply harmful presence of cyberbullying.

For many, the image of bullying is still tied to in-person interactions—playground taunts, hallway whispers, and exclusion in social settings. But as the world moves increasingly online, so do the tactics of intimidation and cruelty.

“I’ve often wondered why we tend to overlook the deep-rooted effects of cyberbullying on young people. Is it because it happens behind a screen, making it feel less real, less immediate?” asks Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength, a mental wellness platform that supports youth. “Whatever the reason, cyberbullying is just as harmful as in-person bullying, it’s equally as damaging.”

Lunny and other experts point to the ease with which people—especially teenagers—can be targeted online, often without immediate consequences. An anonymous comment, a group chat exclusion, or a public post meant to embarrass can quickly spiral into persistent harassment that follows a young person across digital spaces.

“Bullying stems from cowardice, and it is so much easier to be cruel when you don’t see the pain you cause,” Lunny says. “The digital world creates a barrier between people, almost encouraging us to forget there’s a real person on the other side, feeling every sting.”

Unlike in-person bullying, which may be confined to school grounds or specific social settings, cyberbullying knows no boundaries. It can happen at any hour of the day, from anywhere, and often without the knowledge of teachers or parents. This constant access can lead to a suffocating sense of vulnerability for young people, impacting their mental health, academic performance, and even their relationships with peers and family members.

“Cyberbullying doesn’t end when the bully logs off—it lingers,” Lunny explains. “It shapes a young person’s self-worth, mental health, and sense of safety. We must start treating cyberbullying with the seriousness it deserves and create spaces where kindness and empathy aren’t just encouraged, but expected.”

Hidden Strength and similar organizations are working to raise awareness around this issue and create better support systems for those affected. But Lunny says that addressing cyberbullying isn’t just the responsibility of mental health professionals—it starts at home, in classrooms, and on the platforms themselves.

“We need parents talking openly with their children about online behavior and boundaries. We need schools treating online harassment as a real threat to student well-being. And we need social media companies to step up with stricter policies, better moderation tools, and more accountability,” Lunny adds.

With billions of users online, social media isn’t going anywhere—but neither is cyberbullying unless action is taken. As digital platforms continue to evolve, so must the approach to safeguarding young users.

For teens navigating this digital world, Lunny offers a simple reminder: “You are not alone. Your worth is not defined by what someone says behind a screen. There is strength in seeking support, and there is a community of people who care.”

As the world becomes more digitally connected, the need for digital compassion grows ever more urgent. Social media has the potential to empower and uplift—but only if we commit to making it a safer, kinder space for the next generation.