Most teens take social media break, U.S. poll says
The common stereotype has teens glued to their phones 24-7. But nearly 60 per cent of U.S. teens have actually taken a break from social media — most of them voluntarily, a new survey has found.
The poll, from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, surveyed U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 and found most value the feeling of connection with friends and family that social media provides. A much smaller number associate it with negative emotions, such as being overwhelmed or needing to always show their best selves.
The survey found that teens’ social media breaks are typically a week or longer, and that boys are more likely to take longer breaks.
Teens were allowed to cite multiple reasons for their breaks. Nearly two-thirds cited at least one voluntary reason. Amanda Lenhart, the lead researcher and an expert on young people and technology use, said she was surprised by this, as it counters the broader narrative that teens are “handcuffed” to their social media profiles.
Among teens who took voluntary breaks, 38 per cent did so because social media was getting in the way of work or school. Nearly a quarter said they were tired of “the conflict and drama” and 20 per cent said they were tired of having to keep up with what’s going on.
Nearly half did so involuntarily. This included 38 per cent who said their parents took away their phone or computer and 17 per cent who said their phone was lost, broken or stolen.
About 35 per cent of teens surveyed said they have not taken a break, citing such worries as missing out and being disconnected from friends. Some said they need social media for school or extracurricular activities.