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In total, 80% said social media gives them some level of connection to what is going on in their friends’ lives

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Social media can help teens share their creativity 

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Social media can help teens share their creativity 

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71% of teens say that social media is a place where they can show their creativity

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Social media can help teens build a community 

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Social media can help teens build a community 

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"Social media can help teens build a community they may not otherwise have access to, and it can also be a way for young people to learn about their interests, civic engagement, and more. " -Kelly Burch

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How social media can help us make new friends

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How social media can help us make new friends

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How Social Media Can Help Us Make New Friends

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This article explains how teens can express themselves and explore new things on social media

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Is Social Media a Valid Way for Young People to Express Their Political Views?

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Not Your Parents’ Politics, co-authored by Ioana Literat, looks at how young people are expressing themselves on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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The basics of social media for creatives

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The basics of social media for creatives

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Social media can help teens be more creative.

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The basics of social media for creatives | Creativity In Progress Podcast | Episode 11

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This article helps explain how social media is able to help teens stay creative

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Society has long fretted about technology's impact on youth. The hyperconnected nature of social media has led to new anxieties, including worries that these platforms may be negatively impacting teenagers' mental health. Despite these concerns, teens themselves paint a more nuanced picture of adolescent life on social media. It is one in which majorities credit these platforms with deepening connections and providing a support network when they need it, while smaller - though notable - shares acknowledge the drama and pressures that can come along with using social media. Eight-in-ten teens say that what they see on social media makes them feel more connected to what's going on in their friends' lives, while 71% say it makes them feel like they have a place where they can show their creative side. And 67% say these platforms make them feel as if they have people who can support them through tough times. A smaller share - though still a majority - says the same for feeling more accepted. These positive sentiments are expressed by teens across demographic groups. When asked about the overall impact of social media on them personally, more teens say its effect has been mostly positive (32%) than say it has been mostly negative (9%). The largest share describes its impact in neutral terms: 59% believe social media has had neither a positive nor a negative effect on them. For teens who view social media's effect on them as mostly positive, many describe maintaining friendships, building connections, or accessing information as the main reasons they feel this way. Additionally, surveys show the following:

Teens are more likely to view social media as having a negative effect on others than themselves,

Teens reflect on parents' concerns and assessments of teen life on social media,

Teens who have a more positive outlook about social media are more likely to say these platforms benefit them,

Online activism is not common on social media among teens; only a minority of teens are highly concerned about digital privacy,

Teens feel a lack of control over their personal data but aren't too concerned about social media companies having this information.

Connection, Creativity and Drama: Teen Life on Social Media in 2022

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Connection, Creativity and Drama: Teen Life on Social Media in 2022

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Society has long fretted about technology's impact on youth. The hyperconnected nature of social media has led to new anxieties, including worries that these platforms may be negatively impacting teenagers' mental health. Despite these concerns, teens themselves paint a more nuanced picture of adolescent life on social media.

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“It can create a sense of connection and belonging among peers, expand their community and expose kids to diversity.”

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Social media's hidden benefits for teens

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Social media's hidden benefits for teens

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"Social media is far more than a digital distraction for teens—it’s a platform for growth, learning, and connection. By recognizing and leveraging the positive aspects of social media, parents and educators can guide teens towards building a responsible and enriching online presence. With the right tools and awareness, the digital age can indeed be a golden era for the next generation. "