The Algorithm of Addiction: Social Media’s Role in Mental Health and Drug Culture

Social media platforms like TikTok are designed to keep users engaged, using algorithms that curate endless streams of content based on what we watch and interact with. While these platforms can offer connection and creativity, they can also negatively impact mental health—especially for individuals already feeling vulnerable.

Constant scrolling and comparison can contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion. The brain’s reward system is repeatedly activated, making it harder to disengage and increasing reliance on digital validation rather than healthy coping strategies.

At the same time, drug and alcohol use is increasingly portrayed online as humorous, aesthetic, or harmless. Through trends and coded language, substances are often normalized, minimizing real risks and consequences.

For teens and young adults, this exposure can lower perceived danger and increase curiosity. For those in recovery, it can act as a powerful trigger.

Because algorithms prioritize engagement—not well-being—interacting with this type of content often leads to seeing more of it, creating an echo chamber that reinforces distress or risky behavior. This is not a personal failure, but a system designed to hold attention.

Awareness is a crucial first step. Setting digital boundaries, having open conversations, and seeking professional support can help protect mental health and reduce the influence of harmful online content. If social media is affecting your mental health or substance use, support is available—and recovery is possible.