Teens, Social Media, and Technology 2024

Are Teenagers Escaping Text? The Rise of Video and Visually-Driven Platforms

A new Pew Research Center survey shines a light on how US teenagers are navigating the digital landscape, revealing a clear shift towards visual platforms. Nearly half of teens surveyed report being "almost constantly" online, with YouTube claiming the top spot as the most popular platform by far.

YouTube Reigns Supreme

90% of teenagers polled use YouTube, a slight dip from 2022 but still undeniably dominant. With 73% logging on daily, it’s clear that YouTube holds a prominent place in teens’ lives.

**TikTok the Challenger**

Coming in a distant second is TikTok, used by 63% of teens. However, there’s a notable gender divide. 19% of girls say they use TikTok “almost constantly” compared to 19% of boys who say the same about YouTube.

**The Decline of Text-Based Platforms**

While video platforms dominate, the survey also highlights the waning popularity of more text-based platforms. Facebook use among teens has plummeted to 32%, a stark contrast to the 71% who used it a decade ago. X (formerly Twitter) also saw a significant decline in usage, dropping from 33% to 17% in the past decade.

**Image-Based Apps Facing Downward Trend**

Even some image-based platforms like Snapchat are experiencing a decline in teen usage.

**WhatsApp on the Rise**

The only app showing a positive trend is WhatsApp, with 23% of teenagers now using it.

This shift towards video and visual platforms suggests a changing landscape for online interaction. What do you think? Will video-centric platforms continue to dominate the teen world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!