Despite concerns about social media, teens continue to use online platforms at high rates, with YouTube leading the way.
In a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, it was found that online platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram remain the most widely used among U.S. teens. Despite growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, the survey revealed that teens continue to use these platforms at high rates, with some describing their social media use as “almost constant.” The survey, conducted from September 26 to October 23, 2023, among 1,453 13- to 17-year-olds, explored their social media usage, internet habits, and device ownership.
YouTube Dominates as the Most Widely Used Platform
According to the survey, YouTube continues to dominate as the most widely used online platform among U.S. teens. Approximately nine out of ten teens reported using YouTube, making it the top choice among the platforms measured in the survey.
TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram Remain Popular
The survey also revealed that TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram remain popular among teens. The majority of teens aged 13 to 17 reported using TikTok (63%), Snapchat (60%), and Instagram (59%). Among older teens aged 15 to 17, these percentages increased to about seven out of ten.
Decline in Facebook and Twitter Usage
The survey found that teens are less likely to use Facebook and Twitter compared to a decade ago. The percentage of teens using Facebook has dropped from 71% in 2014-2015 to 33% today. Twitter, which was recently renamed X, has also seen a decline in its teen user base, although not as steep as Facebook.
Stable Usage of Platforms
The survey indicated that teens’ usage of online platforms has remained relatively stable since the previous survey conducted in spring 2022. For example, the percentage of teens using TikTok has not significantly changed since last year.
of BeReal
For the first time, the survey asked teens about their usage of BeReal, with 13% reporting using this app. This highlights the evolving landscape of social media platforms and the emergence of new platforms that capture the attention of teens.
Frequency of Platform Visits
The survey also explored how often teens visit specific platforms. YouTube, the most widely used platform, was reported to be visited daily by approximately seven out of ten teens. TikTok followed closely, with 58% of teens visiting the platform daily. Snapchat and Instagram were visited daily by about half of the teens. Facebook had the lowest daily usage, with only 19% of teens reporting visiting the site daily.
Gender Differences in Platform Usage
The survey found some gender differences in platform usage. Teen girls were more likely than boys to report almost constant use of TikTok and Snapchat. However, there were no significant differences between boys and girls in their usage of YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Platform Usage
The survey also revealed differences in platform usage among different racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic teens reported higher rates of almost constant use of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok compared to White teens. Hispanic teens, in particular, stood out in their usage of TikTok and Snapchat.
Demographic Differences in Platform Usage
The survey highlighted demographic differences in platform usage. Teen girls were more likely to use Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook, while teen boys were more likely to use Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and YouTube. Black teens were more likely than Hispanic or White teens to use TikTok and Twitter. Hispanic teens reported higher usage of WhatsApp compared to Black and White teens. BeReal was more commonly used by White teens compared to Black or Hispanic teens.
Time Spent Online
The survey also examined the amount of time teens spend online. Almost half of the teens reported using the internet “almost constantly,” which is double the percentage reported in a survey conducted in 2014-2015. The amount of time spent online varied by race and ethnicity, with Hispanic and Black teens reporting higher rates of almost constant internet usage compared to White teens. Older teens were also more likely to be near-constant internet users compared to younger teens.
Device Usage
The survey found that most teens have access to smartphones, desktop or laptop computers, gaming consoles, and tablets. Smartphone ownership was nearly universal among teens, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or economic background. However, access to a home computer was less common among teens in lower-income households. Tablet ownership was also less common among teens in lower-income households.
Conclusion: The Pew Research Center’s survey on the usage of online platforms among U.S. teens reveals that YouTube continues to dominate as the most widely used platform. TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram also remain popular among teens, while Facebook and Twitter have seen a decline in their user base. The survey highlights the stable usage of these platforms over the past year, with some gender, racial, and ethnic differences in usage patterns. It also sheds light on the amount of time teens spend online and their device ownership. As social media continues to evolve, it is crucial to understand how these platforms impact the lives of teens and shape their online experiences.
