Nearly half of US teens say social media has negative impact, new study reveals

A Pew Research Center report released on Tuesday highlights growing concerns about social media’s effect on the mental health of US teens. According to the survey, 48% of teens believe social media negatively impacts their peers, a significant increase from 32% in 2022. However, only 14% of teens reported a negative impact on their own well-being, though this has risen from 9% in the previous year.

The study, based on surveys of 1,391 teens and their parents, also found that 45% of teens feel they spend too much time on social media, and 44% have reduced their social media usage. Girls are more likely to say social media affects their sleep, mental health, and confidence than boys.

The report also touches on broader concerns, with 89% of parents expressing worry about their teens’ mental health. Despite these concerns, many teens still view social media positively, with nearly 60% saying it helps them express their creativity and stay connected with friends.

The findings come as regulators and health professionals call for stronger protections against social media’s potential harm, with legislative actions in places like Utah and Australia addressing these concerns.