Teens in the U.S. are reportedly spending a significant amount of time on YouTube and TikTok, according to a recent study by Pew Research Center. For the second time in a row, YouTube overtook TikTok as the most widely used platform among the nearly 1,500 teens surveyed, with 93% indicating YouTube usage compared to 63% for TikTok. Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook followed close behind, with 60%, 59%, and 33% usage rates, respectively.
Enticing findings show that a third of these teenage participants claim to frequently use at least one of these apps, underscoring a notable increase in digital activity compared to 2015 when the initial survey was released. The survey, conducted between September 26 and October 23, 2023, involved American teens aged 13-17 and was carried out by recruiting participants through their parents.
The Pew Research Center report highlights that despite growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on young people's mental health and safety, adolescents continue to engage with these platforms actively. Furthermore, the findings come at a time when a lawsuit was recently filed against social media giants for allegedly contributing to harm among younger users. Meta, Meta's Facebook and Instagram parent company, denies the accusations, asserting that it has implemented regulations and practices to safeguard younger users.
The survey reveals that usage of Snapchat and Instagram has seen a rise since the 2015 report, while Facebook and Twitter have witnessed a decline. Teens aged 15-17 are more likely to make frequent use of these platforms, as opposed to 13-14-year-olds.
Gender-based differences surfaced in the data, with girls more inclined to utilize Instagram (66% vs. 53%), TikTok (68% vs. 59%), and Snapchat (66% vs. 53%), whereas boys lean towards YouTube (96% vs. 91%) and Reddit (18% vs. 10%). Game platforms XBOX and Reddit featured in lesser usage among both groups: 21% and 10% for boys, and 19% and 18% for girls, respectively.
To address concerns surrounding the effects of platforms like Instagram on young people's mental health and safety, Meta has implemented functional updates aimed at reducing users' exposure to potentially problematic content. One example is the "Remind me to take a break" reminder feature, which helps users avoid spending excessive time on the platform and engaging with content that may negatively impact their well-being.
Imploring the cooperation of industry powerhouses like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, current efforts are underway to increase the transparency and accountability of these platforms. Platforms are also focusing on crafting solutions to address cyberbullying and online harassment, while also raising awareness about the effects of social media on mental health.
Teens who lack access to desktop or laptop computers at home may face obstacles in participating in these digital activities and accomplishing academic tasks, according to the report. The research encourages industry leaders to explore innovative solutions to close this digital divide and create equal opportunities for all young users to thrive in the digital landscape.
