In an increasingly digital world, smartphones have become an integral part of teenage life. A recent Pew Research Center survey of 1,453 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 and their parents sheds light on the complex emotional relationship between teens and their devices.
The survey found that a majority of teens experience positive emotions when separated from their smartphones, with 74% reporting feeling happy and 72% feeling peaceful. However, a significant minority also reported negative feelings, with 44% feeling anxious, 40% feeling upset, and 39% feeling lonely without their phones.
Despite these mixed emotions, most teens believe that smartphones provide more benefits than harm for their age group. Seventy percent of teens said smartphones offer more advantages, while 30% believed the opposite. Younger girls aged 13 to 14 were more likely than older teen girls and boys to say the harms outweigh the benefits.
Teens also recognized the potential of smartphones to facilitate personal growth and academic success. Nearly 70% said smartphones make it easier to pursue hobbies and interests, and 45% believed they help young people perform better in school. However, opinions were divided on the impact of smartphones on social skills and friendships.
The survey also explored the challenges parents face in navigating the digital landscape. Half of the parents reported looking through their teen’s phone, and about 40% said they regularly argue with their teen about phone use. Nearly half of the teens said their parents are at least sometimes distracted by their own phones when trying to have a conversation.
As concerns grow about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, this survey highlights the nuanced relationship between teens and their smartphones. While the devices offer many benefits, they also present emotional and social challenges that both teens and parents must navigate in an increasingly connected world.
