A new national study finds teens are overwhelmingly using platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat for entertainment and staying connected, even as concerns persist about screen time, sleep and online harassment.
The Pew Research Center report shows nearly all teens use these platforms for fun, with strong majorities also turning to them to keep up with friends and family or connect with people who share their interests.
Usage patterns vary by platform. TikTok stands out as a hub for entertainment and product discovery, while Snapchat is more commonly used for direct messaging and maintaining close social connections. Teens on Snapchat are the most likely to message others daily, with more than half doing so.
At the same time, concerns about time spent online remain. About three in 10 TikTok users say they spend too much time on the app, higher than on Instagram or Snapchat. TikTok users are also more likely to report negative effects on sleep and productivity compared to other platforms.
Despite those concerns, most teens say social media has little impact on their mental health overall, with many reporting it neither helps nor hurts. Others say it can boost confidence when interacting with others or strengthen friendships, particularly on Snapchat.
Cyberbullying remains a concern across all platforms, with roughly three-quarters of teens saying it is a problem for people their age. Still, a smaller share report experiencing harassment directly, with incidents more commonly reported on Snapchat than other platforms.
The findings, based on a survey of more than 1,400 U.S. teens and their parents, highlight a mixed picture: social media remains a central part of teen life, offering connection and entertainment while raising ongoing questions about its impact.
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