The Rise of Emotional Sharing Online
If you have a teen, chances are you’ve seen them scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels, earbuds in, laughing one second and looking teary-eyed the next. Social media has become a stage for sharing emotions and while that can be a beautiful thing, it also has a darker side.
As a psychologist, I see the positives: self-expression, connection, and the reassurance that “I’m not alone.” But I also see the risks, especially when certain emotional states become trendy or “aesthetic.”
When Sharing Becomes Romanticizing
Here’s where it gets tricky:
Some trending posts can actually intensify emotions instead of helping them heal. In these online “echo chambers,” teens might get a lot of likes and positive comments, not just for sharing their feelings, but for the struggle itself.
Social media may start as a safe outlet, but for some, it can evolve into a place where pain is aestheticized rather than addressed. It’s not that their feelings aren’t real, because they are, it’s that the platform can unintentionally encourage staying in that pain rather than moving forward.
If you’ve noticed your teen spending more time online and less time talking to you about what’s going on in their heart, now’s the time to lean in. Ask gentle, open-ended questions, “How does this post make you feel? What part of it speaks to you?” Watch for patterns in what they post or engage with. And if you’re unsure how to start those conversations or you’re worried about what you’re seeing, we’re here to help.
At NeuroChamp, we guide families through these challenging moments with compassion, evidence-based tools, and a plan that fits your child’s needs.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
Here are a few supportive, research-based ways to approach this with your teen:
- Watch Together: Ask them to show you their favorite videos. Stay curious, not judgmental. This helps you see what they’re seeing without making them feel defensive.
- Talk About Intent: Gently ask questions like, “How do you feel after watching this?” or “Do you think the person posting wants help, or just to share?” This can spark important reflection.
- Validate First, Guide Second: Teens are more likely to listen if they feel heard. Reflect their feelings before offering advice.
- Model Healthy Coping: Show them how you process emotions off the screen, whether that’s talking with a friend, going for a walk, journaling, or praying.
The Bottom Line
Social media can be a lifeline for connection, but it can also become an echo chamber that romanticizes struggle. Our job as parents, caregivers, and trusted adults is to help teens navigate that fine line with compassion, honesty, and a safe space for open conversation.
Ready to Support Your Teen Beyond the Scroll?
If you’re worried about how social media may be affecting your child’s emotions or if you’ve noticed a shift in their mood or behavior, you’re not alone. At NeuroChamp, we specialize in understanding the whole picture: social, emotional, and developmental.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s create a plan that helps your teen feel seen, supported, and strong, both online and offline.
About the Author
Dawnyelle DeLongchamp, M.S., BCBA, LEP
Dawnyelle is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4577) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 25 years of experience. As the founder of NeuroChamp Educational Psychology & Speech Services, she specializes in comprehensive, neuroaffirming evaluations for learning differences, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more, helping families move from uncertainty to clarity with empathy and practical insight.
References
- Ahuja, J. (2024). Concerns regarding the glorification of mental illness on social media.
- Ndour, A. (2025). The romanticisation of mental health problems in social media echo chambers.
