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5d ago

New Data Highlights Mixed Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

Pew Research reveals both benefits like connection and creativity, and challenges such as sleep disruption and productivity loss, as nearly half of teens reduce usage.

Of more than 1,000 US teens surveyed by the Pew Research Center last year, nearly half say they've cut back on their smartphone and social media use amid concerns about technology's impact on teens' mental health.
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Overview

  • 74% of teens report feeling more connected to friends through social media, while 63% say it provides a creative outlet, according to Pew Research Center data.
  • Nearly half (48%) of teens view social media as having a mostly negative effect on people their age, though only 14% feel it negatively impacts them personally.
  • 44% of teens, including 48% of girls and 40% of boys, have cut back on social media use, citing concerns about its impact on sleep (45%) and productivity (40%).
  • Social media serves as a critical source of mental health information, with 34% of teens using it sometimes and 63% considering it an important resource.
  • Safe online spaces significantly benefit LGBTQ youth, with those feeling safe 20% less likely to attempt suicide, highlighting platforms like TikTok, Discord, and Instagram.