Amid rising issues concerning the impression of social media on younger minds, about 1 in 4 teenagers say it has negatively affected their psychological well being, in accordance with a brand new report from the Pew Analysis Heart.
The analysis discovered that many teenagers consider social media will be dangerous to individuals their age. The findings come as lawmakers and the US Surgeon Normal warn that social platforms pose a severe menace to younger customers, notably as psychological well being points proceed to rise amongst teenagers. The research was performed over a number of weeks in fall 2024 amongst practically 1,400 teenagers.
Practically half of the kids (48%) surveyed stated social media has a largely destructive impact on individuals their age, up considerably from 32% in 2022. However fewer teenagers (14%) stated it has a destructive impression on their very own psychological well being.
Teen ladies had been extra possible than boys to report that social media has harmed their psychological well being (25% vs. 14%), and so they had been additionally extra more likely to say it negatively impacts their confidence (20% vs. 10%) and sleep (50% vs. 40%).
The report additionally highlighted the rising time teenagers are spending on these platforms and the way they’re conscious of this modification. About 45% of stripling respondents stated they spend an excessive amount of time on social media, in comparison with 36% in 2022.
On the identical time, nevertheless, many teenagers say the platforms provide vital advantages. A majority (74%) stated social media helps them really feel extra linked to their buddies.
Mother and father, in the meantime, are much more involved. About 55% report being extraordinarily or very apprehensive concerning the psychological well being of immediately’s teenagers.
The report additionally notes a rising development of teenagers turning to social media for psychological well being data. Greater than a 3rd (34%) say they use platforms to be taught extra about psychological well being, following a surge of therapist influencers and others sharing private tales and recommendation on-line.
