Social media’s impact on teens is often seen as harmful. Research by Meta reveals that Instagram worsens body image for one in three teen girls, and Snapchat has faced lawsuits for failing to combat cyberbullying. Even the former U.S. Surgeon General has issued warnings about the risks of social media for young people. However, a new report shows that, despite its drawbacks, social media can also have positive effects on teenagers.
A study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 74% of U.S. teens feel more connected to their friends through social media. Additionally, 63% say these platforms give them an outlet to express their creativity. This data provides a more balanced view as the U.S. government considers legislation aimed at improving teens’ online experiences.
One possible reason for these positive outcomes is that teens may feel more free to express themselves online than they do at school or at home. For instance, research from The Trevor Project found that 53% of young LGBTQ people of color felt safe and understood on TikTok, followed by Discord (43%) and Instagram (41%). These online communities help support positive mental health, with those who felt safe online being 20% less likely to have attempted suicide in the past year.
Pew’s study also shows that 34% of teens sometimes find information about mental health on social media, with 63% considering it an important source of such information. While the study doesn’t confirm whether this information is accurate or helpful, it highlights an important point: only 52% of teens said they feel extremely or very comfortable discussing their mental health with their parents.
Despite these positive aspects, social media has its downsides. Pew’s study also highlights concerns about its impact on well-being. While 48% of teens think social media harms their peers, only 14% feel it negatively affects them personally. However, these self-reports may not capture the full picture, as many teens acknowledge social media harms their sleep (45%) and productivity (40%), even though they believe it benefits their friendships.
While social media presents both benefits and challenges, these findings underscore the complex role it plays in teenagers’ lives, offering both connection and potential risks.
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