Survey Findings: Most American Teenagers Feel Happy or Calm Without Their Smartphones

According to the results of a new survey from the Pew Research Center, published on Monday, nearly three-quarters of American teenagers say they feel happy or calm when they are not with their smartphones. The findings of this research indicate that while many teenagers view spending time without a smartphone positively, most have not limited their use of smartphones or social media. This survey comes as policymakers and child advocates are increasingly concerned about teenagers' dependence on their smartphones and social media. Last year, dozens of U.S. states, including California and New York, sued Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, for 'harming youth' and 'creating a youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children.' In response to these criticisms, executives from Meta, TikTok, X, and other social media platforms were summoned to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in January about the harms of social media to youth. Despite rising concerns, most teenagers believe that smartphones make creativity and entertainment easier, while 45% say they help them perform better in school. The Pew research findings show that nearly all American teenagers (about 95%) have access to a smartphone, and most teenagers say the benefits of having these phones outweigh the drawbacks for their peers. Most teenagers believe smartphones significantly help their peers express creativity (65%). Nearly half (45%) also stated that these devices have made academic success easier among youth. Previously, attorneys general from 33 states, including California and New York, sued Meta, claiming that the company has repeatedly misled people about the dangers of its platforms. The European Commission is also officially seeking more information on how Meta protects children from illegal and harmful content. Meta claims it is limiting access to 'harmful content' on Facebook and Instagram. Three legal complaints against social media; potential billion-dollar fines for TikTok and Facebook. Children and teenagers in Utah need parental approval to access social media like TikTok.