A recent survey by the Pew Research Center sheds light on the social media and internet habits of teens in the United States. The key findings reveal that YouTube and TikTok are the go-to platforms for teens, with nearly 1 in 5 stating they stream videos “almost constantly.” The study reflects the evolving landscape of teen preferences in social media, with significant insights into platform popularity, usage patterns, and demographic variations.
Key Points:
1. YouTube’s Dominance:
- YouTube emerges as the most widely used platform among US teens, with 93% reporting regular usage.
- Approximately 16% of teen respondents claim to use or visit YouTube “almost constantly,” highlighting the platform’s immense popularity.
2. TikTok’s Rise:
- TikTok secures the second spot in popularity, with 63% of teens acknowledging its use.
- About 17% of TikTok users state they are engaged with the short-video service “almost constantly.”
3. Decline in Facebook and Twitter Usage:
- Facebook’s popularity among US teens has declined significantly over the past decade.
- Meta-owned social media apps’ usage has fallen from 71% in 2014-2015 to 33% today.
- Instagram’s usage, however, has remained relatively stable, fluctuating from 52% in 2014-15 to 59% in 2023.
4. Gender and App Preferences:
- Teen girls are more likely to use apps such as BeReal, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook compared to their male counterparts.
- Teen boys show a preference for video-game-focused messaging and social apps like Discord and Twitch.
5. Racial and Ethnic Differences:
- Nearly 80% of Black teens use TikTok, compared to 70% of Hispanic teens and 57% of white teens.
- Hispanic teens exhibit a higher likelihood of using Meta-owned WhatsApp compared to Black or white teens.
6. Stability in Teen Internet Habits:
- The study indicates that teen site and app usage has changed little over the past year.
- Stability is observed in the percentage of teens using TikTok, with no significant changes from the previous year.
7. Survey Methodology:
- The survey gathered responses from approximately 1,500 thirteen to seventeen-year-olds between September 26 and October 23, 2023.
Conclusion:
YouTube and TikTok’s dominance in the teen internet landscape underscores the evolving preferences and habits of younger audiences. The decline in Facebook’s popularity signals a shift in social media dynamics among teens, reflecting the ongoing transformations in digital interaction.
Watch: Montana bans TikTok, judge says violates the First Amendment
