In the US, most teenagers visit social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram at least once a day. according to a new Pew Research report.
The Pew survey of 1,458 teens ages 13 to 17 shows that after a decline in social media use in 2022, use of TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram is increasing, with YouTube especially popular among demographic groups including gender, race, ethnicity, and income level. TikTok is also a constant presence for a fifth of teenagers, with 21% saying they visit TikTok almost constantly.
The debate on how the use of social media affects young people has been hotly debated and has sparked much discussion in Australia. platform ban for young people under the age of 16. Some states in the United States They also decided to restrict or ban social media for minors or introduce age verification rules.
Pew has tracked the use of social media among teenagers since about 2009 and has published regular reports since 2014. This year, Pew added statistics on the use of chatbots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The Pew report shows that nearly two-thirds of US teens, or 64%, use chatbots. The results are higher in older youth aged 15 to 17 (68%) than in younger youth aged 13 to 14 (57%). The report shows that black and Hispanic teens, as well as teens from higher-income families, are more likely to use chatbots.
Longer time online can mean greater risks
Pew Research’s findings are consistent with observations from a long-term cohort of children.
“Teenagers are using social media platforms more often and at younger ages, putting them at greater exposure to bullying, harassment and intense interactions,” said Michael Medoro, chief of staff and chief operating officer at Child benefit. The organization was founded in 1959 and offers Child abuse hotline and programs to prevent child abuse and assist victims.
Medoro says the constant use of social media apps can be a stressor for teenagers.
“Our helpline counselors listen to teenagers who feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by constant messages and comparisons to others,” she said. “Long-term app use generally carries a higher risk of emotional distress, especially without strong safety barriers.”
While social media bans can be effective in some ways, Medoro says many teens are finding workarounds. Parents should regularly contact and monitor their children, and platforms should implement security and age verification features to protect minors.
“Governments, families, schools and technology companies all have a role to play,” he said.
The organization is also concerned about Pew’s findings about the increasing use of chatbots, especially in underserved communities. Chatbots can be the place teenagers turn to when they struggle with loneliness, anxiety or isolation, when they need psychological help. These interactions can be difficult for parents or others to recognize.
“Chatbots can also provide dangerous advice if a teen seeks help online instead of consulting a mental health professional, which can exacerbate existing problems,” Medoro said.