[ad_1]
WASHINGTON – It may not be surprising to learn that the majority of American teenagers (81%) use social media to connect with their friends and family. But the frequency with which they check, publish and discuss on their accounts has increased dramatically over the past six years.
In 2012, 34% of teens accessed social media more than once a day. Today, this number is more than double: 70% of teenagers connect several times a day and 16% report checking it almost constantly, according to the latest Common Sense Media report.
"I think this highlights an important skill to develop in terms of the ability to use social media and our devices to make smart choices about where and when to use them," said Michael Robb, director of research. at Common Sense Media.
For the report, the independent non-profit organization surveyed 1,141 US teenagers aged 13-17 on their social media behaviors, attitudes and experiences.
The results show that social media plays an important role in the lives of American teens – and in many ways, positive. Very few teenagers in the survey said that social media had a negative effect on how they felt about themselves.
"I think that contrary to what many people expect, teens would say that the use of social media allows them to feel less lonely, less depressed, more confident, more popular and better off in their skin," he said. Robb.
"And I do not think that's what most people expect, given the kinds of things you hear in the news on social media and teens."
Vulnerable adolescents are more likely to experience the negative effects of social media – including exclusion and cyberbullying – than those who do not identify as strongly with feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and lack of self-esteem. other socio-emotional measures. However, Robb explained that these vulnerable teens "are also much more likely to say that the use of social media makes them less depressed, less isolated."
"So, a very good follow-up question is: how much do children use social media as a medium? I think a lot of people think that social media is a factor that causes a lot of problems, and that's probably the case for some kids, but I think it's a mistake to state that if we delete social media, all these kids would be less anxious or less depressed, whereas in fact we could actually remove them from a key source of support, "added Robb.
Another thing to consider is that face time – real-world communication, not video calling – is secondary to digital interactions. In 2012, almost half of teens reported that their preferred way of communicating with their friends was in person. The latest Common Sense Media survey shows that this number is now close to 30%. Text messages have remained relatively constant over the last six years, while social media and video chat methods have increased since the 2012 report by Common Sense Media.
"Does this mean that children have horrible social skills or are not going to learn empathy? I do not know. But I think this raises questions about other really important changes and how teens are learning to communicate, "said Robb.
What's really important, he added, is to model healthy habits. For example, switching the phone to silent mode when dinner time and / or quality time is a precedent sets a precedent that others should do the same.
Other conclusions of the 2018 Common Sense Media report:
- Fifty-six percent of teens say that social media distracts them from their homework.
- More than 40% of teens report being frustrated by their friends for being so much on their phone when they are hanging out.
- More than 70% of teens think technology companies are manipulating users to spend more time on their devices.
- More than 60% of teens say "often" or "sometimes" encounter hateful racist, sexist, homophobic or religious content on social media.
- About one in four teenagers believe that social media is very important for creative expression.
Talking to teens about how social media makes them feel is another important part of the data collected, Robb said.
"I think it can help to be attentive and think about how they feel before, during and after social networking sessions," he added.
And in an online age, it's essential to remind kids and teens that social media can be just as much a force for good as it is for evil.
"Help yourself explain these skills early on and explain that it really reflects them if they like, share or otherwise support hate or intimidation messages, even joking," Robb said.
Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to discuss this article and others.
© 2018 WTOP. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located in the European Economic Area.
[ad_2]
Source link
