A new study from the Pew Research Center sheds light on the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health. While rising mental health issues among youth have sparked concern nationwide, the research suggests that social media’s influence is not entirely negative.
The survey, which included U.S. teens aged 13 to 17, revealed that 74% of teens feel more connected to friends through social media, while 63% find it a platform to express their creativity. About half of teens (52%) also say social media helps them feel more supported during difficult times, though this figure has decreased from 67% in 2022.
Parents, however, are more likely than teens to view social media as harmful. Nearly half of the parents surveyed (44%) consider social media the biggest threat to their children’s mental health, followed by concerns about technology and bullying. Only 22% of teens shared this view, identifying a wider range of negative influences such as societal pressures and bullying.
Despite differences in opinion, both parents and teens agree that social media is a major negative factor in youth mental health. One teenage boy described it as a leading cause of depression, with many young people being impacted by the opinions of strangers online.
Interestingly, teens seem more concerned about the effects of social media on their peers than on themselves. Nearly half of teens (48%) now believe social media has a mostly negative impact on their peers, up from 32% in 2022. Only 14% say they feel social media negatively affects them personally. Furthermore, the number of teens who believe social media has a positive impact on their peers has dropped significantly, from 24% in 2022 to just 11% today.
In response, many teens are taking action. About 44% report reducing their time spent on social media and smartphones, though more than half continue to engage with these platforms regularly.
This study highlights the complex role of social media in the lives of teenagers, showing both its potential benefits and harmful effects on mental health.
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