Despite concerns about the impact of social media on youth, a new survey reveals that teens continue to use online platforms at high rates.
In a digital age where social media has become a ubiquitous presence in the lives of young people, a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center sheds light on the online platforms most popular among U.S. teens. The study, which surveyed 1,453 teenagers aged 13 to 17, provides insights into their social media usage, internet habits, and device ownership. Despite the negative headlines and growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, the survey reveals that teens are still highly engaged with these platforms, with some describing their usage as “almost constant.” Let’s delve into the key findings of the survey and explore how teens are utilizing online platforms in their daily lives.
YouTube Dominates as the Most Widely Used Platform
According to the Pew Research Center survey, YouTube remains the most widely used online platform among U.S. teens, with approximately nine out of ten reporting that they use the video-sharing platform. YouTube’s dominance in the survey highlights its continued popularity and influence among young people.
TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram Maintain Their Popularity
The survey also reveals that TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram continue to be popular among teens. The majority of teens aged 13 to 17 report using TikTok (63%), Snapchat (60%), and Instagram (59%). Among older teens aged 15 to 17, these percentages increase to around seven out of ten. These platforms provide teens with avenues for self-expression, creativity, and connection with their peers.
Decline in Facebook and Twitter Usage
In contrast to the dominance of YouTube and the popularity of TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have seen a decline in teen usage over the past decade. The survey shows that the percentage of teens using Facebook has dropped from 71% in 2014-2015 to 33% today. Twitter, which was recently renamed X, has also experienced a decline in its teen user base, although not as steep as Facebook’s decline.
Stable Usage of Platforms Over the Past Year
The survey indicates that teens’ usage of these platforms has remained relatively stable since the previous survey conducted in spring 2022. For example, the percentage of teens using TikTok has not significantly changed since last year. This stability suggests that these platforms continue to play a significant role in the lives of teens.
of BeReal
For the first time, the survey asked teens about their usage of BeReal, a new app. The results show that 13% of teens report using this app, indicating its growing popularity among young users. BeReal’s inclusion in the survey highlights the ever-evolving landscape of online platforms and the constant of new apps and technologies.
Frequency of Visiting Online Platforms
The survey also explored how often teens visit specific online platforms. It reveals that YouTube, the most widely used platform, is frequently visited by its users, with approximately seven out of ten teens reporting daily visits to the video-sharing platform. TikTok follows closely behind, with 58% of teens using it daily, including 17% who describe their usage as “almost constant.” Snapchat and Instagram are also popular daily destinations for about half of the teens surveyed.
Gender Differences in Platform Usage
The survey highlights some gender differences in platform usage among teens. Teen girls are more likely than boys to report almost constant usage of TikTok (22% vs. 12%) and Snapchat (17% vs. 12%). However, there are no significant differences between boys and girls in terms of almost constant usage of YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Platform Usage
The survey reveals differences in platform usage across racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic teens report spending more time on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok almost constantly compared to White teens. Hispanic teens stand out in their usage of TikTok and Snapchat, with a higher percentage reporting almost constant usage compared to Black and White teens.
Demographic Differences in Platform Usage
The survey also highlights differences in platform usage based on demographic factors such as age and household income. Older teens (ages 15 to 17) are more likely than younger teens to use platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. Household income also plays a role, with lower-income teens more likely to use Facebook and TikTok compared to their higher-income counterparts.
Teens’ Online Habits and Device Ownership
The survey explores teens’ internet habits and device ownership. It reveals that nearly half of teens report using the internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has doubled since the 2014-2015 survey. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens, while access to home computers and tablets varies based on household income.
Conclusion:
Despite concerns about the impact of social media on youth, the Pew Research Center survey demonstrates that online platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram remain highly popular among U.S. teens. These platforms provide avenues for self-expression, connection, and entertainment. While Facebook and Twitter have experienced declines in teen usage, newer platforms like BeReal are gaining traction. The survey also highlights demographic differences in platform usage, indicating that factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, and household income play a role in teens’ online habits. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to understand how young people engage with these platforms and the potential implications for their well-being and development.
