Why Teens Say Social Media Isn’t All Bad

A new Pew study reveals how teens find emotional support, creativity, and connection through social media—despite growing concerns.

Teens Speak Out: The Surprising Upside of Social Media

Social media has long been under scrutiny for its potential harm to teenagers—from fueling anxiety to distorting self-image. High-profile lawsuits and government warnings have amplified these fears. But a recent study from the Pew Research Center is challenging this one-sided view, highlighting a more complicated relationship between teens and the platforms they use daily.

According to the report, many teens aren’t just doom-scrolling their way into stress—they’re building friendships, finding self-expression, and accessing mental health resources that might otherwise be out of reach.

Social Media as a Social Lifeline

Pew’s data paints a picture of teens turning to social platforms not just for entertainment, but for connection. Nearly three out of four teens say social media helps them feel closer to their friends, and 63% say it sparks their creativity. In a digital age where face-to-face interaction can be limited, especially post-pandemic, social platforms often double as digital gathering spaces.

“It’s where we hang out after school,” says Olivia, 16, from Illinois. “Even if I’m home alone, I can still feel connected to the people I care about.” That sense of virtual closeness, while not a replacement for real-world interaction, is meaningful in its own right.

Online Communities Offer Refuge—Especially for Marginalized Teens

The internet can also provide a safe haven for those who don’t always feel understood in their immediate surroundings. A survey by The Trevor Project revealed that 53% of LGBTQ youth of color felt safe and validated on TikTok, with Discord (43%) and Instagram (41%) following closely behind.

The impact is more than emotional—it’s measurable. These young people were 20% less likely to have attempted suicide in the past year if they had access to an online space where they felt accepted. These virtual communities can be vital support systems, particularly when offline support is lacking.

Digital Platforms as Mental Health Gateways

While the internet isn’t a replacement for professional therapy, it’s become a surprising first stop for many teens seeking help. About 34% of teens told Pew they sometimes seek mental health information through social media, and 63% believe it plays an important role in that discovery.

This trend points to both opportunity and risk. While platforms can guide teens toward helpful content and community, they can also expose them to misinformation. Still, when only 52% of teens feel comfortable discussing mental health with their parents, many are turning to the places where they feel heard—online.

Teens Acknowledge the Downsides—Just Not for Themselves

While many teens recognize the darker side of social media, they don’t always see themselves as victims of it. Nearly half (48%) believe it has a negative effect on people their age, yet only 14% think it affects them personally. That disconnect raises questions about perception versus reality.

Some harms are more tangible. Forty-five percent of teens admit social media interferes with their sleep, while 40% say it lowers their productivity. These are quiet, creeping effects that can add up over time, especially when boundaries are blurred between study, rest, and scroll.

Navigating Toward a Healthier Digital Balance

Experts say the key isn’t to demonize social media, but to understand how teens engage with it and offer them tools to use it wisely. “Banning platforms doesn’t teach digital citizenship,” notes Dr. Natalie Bazarova, director of Cornell’s Social Media Lab. “Empowering teens with knowledge and awareness can have far more lasting effects.”

Lawmakers are currently weighing bills aimed at making online spaces safer for young users, but experts warn that heavy-handed regulation could inadvertently shut down the very spaces that provide support to vulnerable youth.

Conclusion: Listening to Teens, Not Just Regulating Them

Teens don’t view social media as a toxic wasteland. Many see it as a support system, a creative outlet, and a bridge to people who understand them. While concerns about screen time, comparison culture, and privacy are real, they coexist with positive stories of connection, community, and care.

In shaping the future of youth digital engagement, perhaps the smartest move is to start by listening—really listening—to what teens are telling us. Their voices may offer the most balanced, insightful guide to navigating the complex world of social media.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact a licensed professional or reach out to a trusted organization for help.