A new survey from the Pew Research Center sheds light on the shifting landscape of social media usage among American teenagers. Conducted between September and October, the study surveyed nearly 1,400 teens aged 13 to 17, revealing how platforms that once dominated are now losing favor, while others continue to thrive.
Teens Are Online More Than Ever
The study found a significant increase in the amount of time teens spend online, with nearly half of them reporting they are online “almost constantly,” compared to just a quarter a decade ago. A striking 96% of respondents confirmed they use the internet daily, underscoring the role the web plays in their daily lives.
Smartphones are nearly ubiquitous among teens, with 95% owning one. Additionally, 88% of respondents have access to a desktop or laptop at home, making it easier than ever for them to stay connected.
YouTube and TikTok Remain Popular
YouTube continues to lead as the most popular platform for teens, with 90% of those surveyed using it. Although the figure dropped slightly from 95% in 2022, YouTube’s dominance in the teen video space is clear.
TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are also favorites among teens. Approximately 60% of teens report using TikTok and Instagram, while 55% are active on Snapchat. These platforms are widely favored for their engaging content and interactive features, which resonate well with younger users.
The Fall of Facebook and X
Facebook’s popularity has waned dramatically in the past decade. Only 32% of teens now use the platform, down from 71% in 2014-15. Although this percentage has leveled off in recent years, Facebook is clearly no longer the go-to platform for younger users.
X (formerly Twitter) has seen an even sharper decline. A decade ago, 33% of teens used X, but now that number has dropped to just 17%. This marks a six-point decrease since 2022, making X one of the least popular social media platforms among teens, alongside Reddit and Threads.
The Rise of Messaging Apps
One of the more surprising findings from the survey is the rise of messaging apps, particularly WhatsApp. The platform has seen a surge in popularity among teens, with its user base growing from 17% in 2022 to 23% in 2023. This shift suggests that group chats and messaging services are becoming more appealing than traditional social media platforms.
Threads and Reddit Struggle
Meta’s Threads, launched in 2023, has yet to make a significant impact among teens. Only 6% of respondents said they use the app, making it the least popular platform in the survey.
Reddit has also struggled to gain traction with younger users. Despite its established presence, only 14% of teens use Reddit, a figure that has remained stable over the past few years. This suggests that the platform has not been able to capture the attention of a wider teen audience.
Concerns Over Teen Screen Time
The rise in online activity has sparked concerns over its impact on teens’ mental health. With many teenagers spending increasing amounts of time online, experts worry about the effects on their well-being. In response to these concerns, countries like Australia have introduced policies to limit social media usage for individuals under the age of 16.
TikTok Faces Uncertain Future in the U.S.
While TikTok remains hugely popular among teens, its future in the U.S. is uncertain. A recent legal setback saw the U.S. Court of Appeals reject TikTok’s appeal against a law that mandates the app be sold to new owners by January 19, 2024, or face a possible shutdown in the country. This looming uncertainty has raised questions about TikTok’s continued presence in the U.S. market.
