Social Media Trends
The hyperconnected nature of social media has led to concerns about its negative impact on teenagers’ mental health.
However, despite the drama and chaos social media can create, teens report that these platforms help strengthen their friendships and offers support.
Here are a few of the key findings from Pew Research Center’s survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17:
- 80% say social media makes them feel more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives
- 71% say social media makes them feel like they have a place where they can show their creative side
- 67% say social media makes them feel as if they have people who can support them through difficult times
- 59% say social media has neither a positive nor negative effect on them
- 38% say they feel overwhelmed by the drama they see on social media
- 30% report having felt left out when they see their friends posting content
- 29% have felt pressure to post viral content
Why This Matters
While we hear a lot from government bodies and parents about their concerns for teens on social media, we rarely hear from teenagers about how they use social media and the impact they believe it has on them. This survey helps us understand why teenagers use social media and how adults can help them successfully navigate through the platforms.
Whether it’s through supplying social media training or using this data to inform future content creation, understanding the reasons people are on social media will enhance your activities online and help you create deeper connections and relationships.
Next Step
Click the link to learn more and consider how you could make a positive impact in teen’s lives on social media, through your own channels.
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