A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Institute has revealed that despite concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents, teen usage of these platforms remains high. The survey, which included 1,453 teens aged 13 to 17, found that roughly one in six teens described their use of YouTube and TikTok as "almost constant." Seventy-one percent of teens reported visiting YouTube daily, with 16% describing their usage as "almost constant." Similarly, 17% of teens said they used TikTok almost constantly.

YouTube emerged as the most popular social platform among teens, with 93% reporting that they use the service. TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram followed, but were significantly behind YouTube in terms of usage. However, all three platforms experienced slight drops in usage over the past year, while Snapchat saw a one-percentage-point increase. Facebook, once a dominant social media platform among teens, has seen its usage decline to 33%, down from 71% in 2014-15.

The survey also highlighted the concerns surrounding social media platforms and their impact on youth mental health. In October, a coalition of 33 states, including New York and California, sued Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, alleging that the company intentionally designed features that addict children to its platforms, contributing to the youth mental health crisis. Meta has denied these charges.

Despite these concerns, the survey indicated that social media continues to play a significant role in the lives of teens. The share of teens reporting that they use the internet almost constantly has nearly doubled to 46% over the past eight years. Pew's report also revealed that older teens, ages 15 to 17, are more likely to use major social media platforms compared to younger teens, except for YouTube, which remains popular across age groups.

The report comes at a time when social media companies are facing increasing scrutiny and legal action. Lawsuits have been filed against various platforms, accusing them of harming young people, including allegations of creating a "breeding ground" for child predators. These lawsuits have prompted platforms like Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to implement features aimed at protecting young users, such as screen time limits, parental oversight options, and updated content recommendation systems.

The survey also shed light on the digital divide, with 10% of teen respondents reporting that they do not have access to a desktop or laptop computer at home. This disparity can make it challenging for teens to access social media, as well as complete schoolwork and homework.

Overall, the Pew Research Institute's survey highlights the continued popularity of social media among teens, as well as the ongoing concerns about its impact on youth mental health and safety. As platforms face legal challenges and scrutiny, they are implementing measures to address these concerns, but the effects on teens' well-being remain a topic of debate.