Parental Emotional Neglect and Adolescent Social Media Addiction: A Narrative Review of Psychological Impacts and Theoretical Insights

This narrative literature review examines the relationship between parental emotional neglect and adolescent social media addiction, with a focus on the resulting psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Drawing on Attachment Theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Behavioural Theory, and Cognitive Theory, the review explores how unmet emotional needs during adolescence may lead to compulsive digital engagement as a maladaptive coping strategy. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature from 2010 onward was conducted across databases including Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed, using defined inclusion criteria focused on adolescent populations and emotional deprivation in family contexts. Findings suggest that adolescents experiencing emotional neglect are significantly more likely to develop problematic social media use, which in turn exacerbates psychological distress. Despite extensive research on digital addiction, gaps remain in understanding the interplay between parenting style, cultural context, and long-term mental health consequences. This review underscores the importance of integrating parental education, digital literacy, and mental health support in future intervention models. By synthesizing theoretical insights and empirical findings, the study provides a foundation for culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate strategies to address adolescent digital dependency and emotional vulnerability.