Despite Warnings, Teens Continue to Use Social Media at High Rates
Despite growing concerns about the potential harm of social media use on youth mental health, a new survey by the Pew Research Center found that a significant number of teens still use major social media platforms at high rates. The online survey of 1,453 U.S. teens between the ages of 13 and 17 found that about half of respondents characterized their use of social media as "almost constant."
Teens’ Social Media Use Remains Unchanged
The survey, conducted this fall, showed that teens’ site and app usage had changed little since the last survey in spring 2022. The findings do not reveal how teens feel about their social media use or whether it affects their mental health and well-being.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer of The Jed Foundation, believes that social media platforms remain vital for teens, citing their potential to help build community, develop interests, learn about the news, find health information, and distract themselves from stressors. She notes that young people have a fear of missing out, which is based in reality, given the prevalence of online activity.
Who’s Responsible for Healthy Social Media Use?
Erickson-Schroth emphasizes that it is unrealistic to expect teens to be solely responsible for how they engage with social media, even if their experiences are not uniformly positive. She believes that social media companies and policymakers must take steps to improve youth experiences online, including aggressively moderating harmful content, making data available to researchers, and enabling youth to better control their online environment.
Which Social Media Platforms are Most Popular Among Teens?
The survey found that YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are the most popular social media platforms among teens. Roughly 9 in 10 participants reported frequenting YouTube, while nearly two-thirds said they used TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Teen use of Facebook and Twitter has decreased significantly over the last decade.
Differences in Social Media Use
The report highlights differences in social media use based on gender, race and ethnicity, and income. For example, 22% of teen girls reported almost constant use of TikTok, compared to 12% of boys. More Hispanic and Black teens said they constantly used YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, while a smaller share of white teens did the same. Facebook and TikTok usage remains higher among teens in lower-income households compared to those in higher-income households.
Conclusion
The Pew Research Center’s findings underscore the importance of responsible social media use and the need for adults to take action to ensure the well-being of youth online. By organizing and implementing safety initiatives, policymakers and social media companies can help protect teens from the potential negative effects of social media use.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Pew Research Center’s survey?
The survey aims to understand the social media habits and preferences of U.S. teens between the ages of 13 and 17. - What are the most popular social media platforms among teens?
YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are the most popular social media platforms among teens. - What are the differences in social media use based on gender, race and ethnicity, and income?
The survey found differences in social media use based on gender, race and ethnicity, and income, with girls, Hispanic and Black teens, and lower-income households showing higher usage rates for certain platforms.
