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Half of U.S. Teenagers Are Online Almost Constantly, Pew Study Finds
A new study by the Pew Research Center highlights the increasing prevalence of social media use among U.S. teenagers, raising concerns about the impact of technology on youth. According to the study, half of American teenagers aged 13 to 17 are online “almost constantly,” with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat dominating their digital lives.
The survey reveals that YouTube is the most widely used platform, with 90% of teenagers reporting regular use. An overwhelming 73% said they watch YouTube daily, and 15% admitted to being “almost constantly” on the platform. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat follow closely behind, with about six-in-10 teens using TikTok and Instagram and 55% using Snapchat.
“Nearly half of teenagers say they are online almost constantly, up from 24% a decade ago. This share has remained consistent in recent years,” the report noted. It also highlighted that nearly all teenagers (96%) use the internet daily.
The findings come amid global efforts to regulate social media usage among young people. Last month, Australia enacted a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16, set to take effect in late 2025. Platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat will be affected.
Platform Trends and Demographics
Daily engagement with TikTok and Instagram has risen, with about six-in-10 teenagers visiting TikTok daily. Of these, 16% use it “almost constantly.” Instagram also saw a slight increase in constant usage, climbing from 8% in 2023 to 12% today. Snapchat similarly remains a daily habit for half of teenagers.
In contrast, Facebook and X are seeing a decline in popularity. Only 32% of teens use Facebook, while X has dropped to just 17% of teenage users. Other platforms, such as WhatsApp (23%) and Reddit (14%), are less widely used but still contribute to teenagers’ online activity.
Gender differences in platform preferences were also observed. Teenage girls are more likely to use Instagram (66% vs. 56%) and TikTok (66% vs. 59%), while boys show a stronger preference for YouTube (93% vs. 87%).
Implications and Concerns
The study underscores the growing influence of social media on teenagers, with one-third of respondents reporting almost constant use of at least one platform. These trends raise questions about the long-term implications of excessive screen time on mental health, social skills, and academic performance.
As countries like Australia take decisive steps to limit social media exposure among youth, the U.S. continues to grapple with finding a balance between technological innovation and the well-being of its younger generations. The Pew study serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive role digital platforms play in shaping the lives of teenagers today.
