Pew: Teens Increasingly Critical of Social Media

A Pew Research Center report finds that nearly half of U.S. teens now view social media as having a mostly negative impact on their generation, marking a rise from earlier years. Only 14% of teens report social media as having a negative effect on themselves personally, indicating a disparity between personal and peer perceptions. About 45% of teens say they spend too much time on social media, and many are actively trying to cut back on usage. Key concerns include impacts on sleep and productivity, though most teens also report benefits like feeling more connected to friends, self-expression, and access to mental health support. Lawmakers and regulators are responding with new initiatives such as age restrictions and warning labels aimed at protecting young users. The findings highlight a nuanced teen perspective, balancing criticism of social media's effects with recognition of its benefits.