Cyberharity, complexes … social networks can affect the mental health of young people. However, few teenagers in the United States think so. According to a study by the PEW* Research Center and published on Tuesday, April 22, they are only 19% to think that platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok or Snapchat have a negative impact on their mental health.
They are also 22% to recognize that they damage their academic results. However, a figure that amounts to 40% compared to its productivity and 45% for sleep. You are more likely to recognize that their use of social networks is excessive, 45% admit spending too much time (compared to 27% in 2023). On the other hand, 49% consider spending the time (against 64% in 2023).
Negative impact on young people
The study also reveals that only 35% of adolescents are “extremely” or “very” worried about the mental health of young people. These platforms, especially Tiktok, which “have become spaces where influential and therapists share their experiences and mental health advice,” some see them as a way of finding information on this topic.
In detail, 34% indicate at least sometimes. Among them, 63% also believe that social networks are an important way of having information about mental health.
In addition to mental health, teenagers increasingly distrust these platforms compared to their peers. Almost half (48%) believe that they have an essentially negative impact on young people of their age, but not in themselves, against 32% in 2022. On the other hand, they are only 14% to think that they have a negative effect in themselves, a slight increase compared to 2022 (9%).
However, young people are rejoiced by certain positive aspects of social networks. 74% ensure that these platforms allow them to feel closer to the lives of their friends, while almost half (52%) give them the impression of being better accepted or having people who support them in difficult times. 63% also sees them as a place where they can show their creative side.
*Study conducted with 1,391 American adolescents and parents from September 18 to October 10.
Source: BFM TV
