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If the negative impact that social networks can have is undeniable, the younger generation still finds some positive points in going on the platforms. An American study tells us more. Decryption.
Despite the harmfulness of social networks, the younger generation is still addicted to platforms. If there is no lack of studies to denounce their excesses, Pew Research* and Ipsos conducted a study of more than 1,000 Americans, aged 13 to 17, to understand their relationship with social networks.
For 8 out of 10 teenagers, social networks make them feel involved in the lives of their friends. Young users also favored, at 71%, the possibility of expressing their artistic side thanks to the platforms. Among other positive feelings, 67% of young teens find that they provide a support network when they need it.
The survey also points out that 77% of 13-17 year olds say they do not feel bad about their life after seeing content on social networks. 71% also don’t feel the pressure to “like” when posting their content.
In general, 32% of teenagers surveyed said that the impact of social networks has been more positive for them, compared to 9% who point to more negative effects. 59% are more neutral, stating that the platforms had neither a positive or negative effect on them. This dynamic is completely reversed when it comes to judging the impact of networks on young people in general. 32% of American teenagers questioned believe that the effect is more negative on people of their age group against 24% who underline their positive impact. Again, neutrality wins out at 45%.
Gender differences remain. Girls are more affected by “like” pressure, 32% vs. 27% among boys, and feel more overwhelmed by online dramas at 45% vs. 32%. They are even 28% to feel less well in their life after watching content online compared to only 18% among men.