Which Social Media Platform Young People Use the Most:

A new study has revealed how often teenagers in the United States use the internet—**nearly half of them report being online "almost constantly"**—and which social media platforms they prefer.

While many parents may have assumptions about their children's favorite apps, a detailed analysis from the Pew Research Center provides concrete insights into teenagers' online habits. The study, which surveyed American teens aged 13 to 17, found that social media usage has evolved significantly in recent years, with notable differences between boys and girls.

Girls Prefer TikTok, Boys Prefer YouTube

Teen girls are more likely than boys to say they use TikTok "almost constantly", with 19% of girls reporting this compared to 13% of boys. On the other hand, boys are more frequent YouTube users, with 19% saying they are "constantly" on the platform, compared to 11% of girls.

This trend persists even when looking at general usage, not just "constant" engagement:

• 66% of girls use TikTok (even if not constantly), compared to 59% of boys.
• 93% of boys use YouTube, compared to 87% of girls.

Minimal Differences in Facebook & Instagram Usage

While respondents didn’t specify why they gravitate toward different platforms, TikTok’s focus on short-form videos and community engagement may appeal more to girls, whereas YouTube’s long-form content and variety may be more attractive to boys.

Interestingly, the gender gap disappears when it comes to Instagram and Facebook—there is no significant difference in how often boys and girls report using these platforms "almost constantly." Snapchat usage was also nearly identical between boys (13%) and girls (12%).

Nearly 6 Hours of Screen Time Per Day

Earlier this year, SheKnows conducted interviews with teens as part of its Be A Man series. Their findings revealed that teenage boys spend an average of nearly six hours daily on their phones, with Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok ranking as their most-used apps.

Although YouTube was expected to be the most dominant platform based on Pew Research Center’s findings, the study found that Snapchat is becoming one of the most preferred communication tools for teens.

Snapchat’s appeal lies in its unique features:

• "Half-swipes"
• The once-crucial Snapstreaks
• Location-sharing with friends

These elements resonate particularly well with teenage boys, contributing to Snapchat's growing popularity.

The Decline of Physical Activity

Spending over six hours a day on screens presents numerous concerns:

• Physical health risks, especially a severe lack of physical activity
• Cognitive effects, which experts have been warning about for years

"We Are in a Mental Health Crisis"

Recent studies suggest that social media use may have a damaging impact on young people's mental health.

In response, the American Psychological Association issued new guidelines last year to regulate social media usage among children. Shortly after, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a serious warning about its potential dangers.

"Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual material to cyberbullying and harassment," Dr. Murthy stated.
"For too many kids, social media use disrupts sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, and I am deeply concerned that social media is a significant driver of this crisis—this is an issue we must urgently address."

The Role of Parents in Screen Time Regulation

The question remains: How can we solve this problem?

One of the biggest indicators of children’s screen time habits—whether positive or negative—is how often their parents use their own devices in front of them.

"Even if teenagers claim they are not influenced by their parents, the data shows that parents actually have a much greater impact than they may realize," said Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, and the lead author of the study.

As debates around social media regulations, screen time limitations, and digital well-being continue, one thing remains clear: understanding teen social media habits is essential for addressing the growing mental health crisis.