Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

Teens’ access to computers is influenced by

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

What do we learn about the teens’ use of the Internet?

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

In the first line of the third paragraph, “ubiquitous” means

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

When considering the effect social media has on them, teens’ opinions

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

Connectivity and connection to people are the factors that teens emphasize when

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

What do 16% of the teens who support the idea of social media having a mostly positive effect say?

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

One other aspect of social media that is perceived as positive is

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

When providing reasons for the negative effect social media has on them, teens have

Some 95% of teens now say they have or have access to a smartphone, which represents a 22-percentage-point increase from the 73% of teens who said this in 2014-2015. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens of different genders, races and ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. A more nuanced story emerges when it comes to teens’ access to computers. While 88% of teens report having access to a desktop or laptop computer at home, access varies greatly by income level. Fully 96% of teens from households with an annual income of $75,000 or more per year say they have access to a computer at home, but that share falls to 75% among those from households earning less than $30,000 a year. Computer access also varies by the level of education among parents. Teens who have a parent with a bachelor’s degree or more are more likely to say they have access to a computer than teens whose parents have a high school diploma or less (94% vs. 78%).

As smartphone access has become more prevalent, a growing share of teens now report using the Internet on a near-constant basis. Some 45% of teens say they use the Internet “almost constantly,” a figure that has nearly doubled from the 24% who said this in the 2014-2015 survey. Another 44% say they go online several times a day, meaning roughly nine-in-ten teens go online at least multiple times per day.

Despite the nearly ubiquitous presence of social media in their lives, there is no clear consensus among teens about these platforms’ ultimate impact on people their age. A plurality of teens (45%) believe social media has a neither positive nor negative effect on people their age. Meanwhile, roughly three-in-ten teens (31%) say social media has had a mostly positive impact, while 24% describe its effect as mostly negative.

Given the opportunity to explain their views in their own words, teens who say social media has had a mostly positive effect tended to stress issues related to connectivity and connection with others. Some 40% of these respondents said that social media has had a positive impact because it helps them keep in touch and interact with others. Many of these responses emphasize how social media has made it easier to communicate with family and friends and to connect with new people: “I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14) “I feel that social media can make people my age feel less lonely or alone. It creates a space where you can interact with people.” (Girl, age 15) “It enables people to connect with friends easily and be able to make new friends as well.” (Boy, age 15) Others in this group cite the greater access to news and information that social media facilitates (16%), or being able to connect with people who share similar interests (15%): “My mom had to get a ride to the library to get what I have in my hand all the time. She reminds me of that a lot.” (Girl, age 14) “It has given many kids my age an outlet to express their opinions and emotions, and connect with people who feel the same way.” (Girl, age 15) Smaller shares argue that social media is a good venue for entertainment (9%), that it offers a space for self-expression (7%) or that it allows teens to get support from others (5%) or to learn new things in general (4%).

There is slightly less consensus among teens who say social media has had a mostly negative effect on people their age. The top response (mentioned by 27% of these teens) is that social media has led to more bullying and the overall spread of rumours: “Gives people a bigger audience to speak and teach hate and belittle each other.” (Boy, age 13) Meanwhile, 17% of these respondents feel these platforms harm relationships and result in less meaningful human interactions. Similar shares think social media distorts reality and gives teens an unrealistic view of other people’s lives (15%), or that teens spend too much time on social media (14%): “It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17) “It makes it harder for people to socialize in real life, because they become accustomed to not interacting with people in person.” (Girl, age 15) Another 12% criticize social media for influencing teens to give in to peer pressure, while smaller shares express concerns that these sites could lead to psychological issues or drama.

(adapted from http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018)

What do similar shares of teens consider to be among the reasons for the negative effects of social media?