American Teens' Social Media Use: YouTube Dominates While Concerns Persist
A recent report from the Pew Research Centre sheds light on the social media habits of American teenagers, revealing that a significant percentage describe their use of certain platforms as "almost constant." The findings highlight the continued prevalence of social media in the lives of young people and raise concerns about its potential impact on mental health and safety.
YouTube emerged as the most widely used platform for American teens for the second consecutive year, outpacing TikTok. According to the survey of nearly 1,500 teens, 93% reported using YouTube, while 63% used TikTok. Other platforms trailed behind, with Snapchat at 60%, Instagram at 59%, and Facebook at 33%.
The report also revealed that one-third of teen respondents claimed to use at least one of these apps "almost constantly." Additionally, the proportion of teens reporting near-constant internet use has nearly doubled to 46% over the eight years since Pew first conducted this survey in 2015.
Despite growing concerns about the impact of social media on teen mental health and safety, young people continue to engage with these platforms heavily. The report comes in the wake of a number of lawsuits brought against social media companies, including one from New Mexico's attorney general charging Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, with creating a "breeding ground" for child predators.
The survey between September 26 and October 23, 2023, indicates shifting usage patterns among teens. While Snapchat and Instagram have grown since Pew's 2015 report, Facebook and Twitter (formerly X) have experienced declines. Facebook usage dropped from 71% in 2015 to 33% this year, and Twitter use decreased from 33% to 20%.
Age and gender differences in social media preferences were also highlighted. Older teens (ages 15 to 17) are more likely to use major platforms, except for YouTube, compared to their younger counterparts. Girls are more likely than boys to use Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, while boys are more inclined towards YouTube, X, and Reddit.
Online safety concerns have prompted social media platforms to introduce features to protect young users. In response to scrutiny, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat have implemented measures such as screen time limits, parental oversight options, and updated content recommendation systems.
The report also drew attention to a digital divide, revealing that 10% of teen respondents need access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, potentially hindering their ability to engage in social media, access educational resources, and complete homework.