ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Teenagers Feel Happier When They Aren't Glued to Smartphone Screens; Recent Study Proves

Concerns among parents and advocates have surged in recent years, prompting calls for stricter regulations of online platforms.
PUBLISHED MAR 16, 2024
Cover Image Source: People look at the new Mate 60 smartphone and other products at a Huawei flagship store | Getty Images
Cover Image Source: People look at the new Mate 60 smartphone and other products at a Huawei flagship store | Getty Images

Smartphones have become essential tools for everyone, be it for communication, work, entertainment or just killing time, it's hard to find people who aren't glued to their smartphone screens. But contrary to what social media platforms and smartphone brands like to belive, a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center has unveiled that a majority of teens feel happier when they are not tethered to their smartphones. The survey, encompassing 1,453 adolescents aged 13 to 17, brings to light nuanced insights into the intricate relationship between teenagers and their digital devices, via The Hill.

Image Source: Pexels|Photo by Pixabay
Teenagers are glued to their digital devices (representative image) | Pexels | Photo by Pixabay

According to the Pew survey, a remarkable 74 percent of teens expressed feelings of happiness when they were not with their smartphones. This sentiment extended further, with 72 percent reporting a sense of peace in the absence of these digital companions.

Despite the pervasive presence of smartphones in their lives, a considerable portion of teens acknowledged experiencing adverse emotions when separated from their devices. Around 44 percent admitted to feeling anxious while 40 percent reported feelings of upset and 30 percent articulated a sense of loneliness in the absence of their smartphones.

Image Source: Source: Pew Research Center
Image Source: Pew Research Center

The prevalence of smartphones among teens cannot be understated with a staggering 95 percent of adolescents having access to these devices or owning one themselves, as per Pew data. Coupled with the fact that most teens browse the internet daily, it is evident that smartphones wield significant influence over various aspects of teenage life, from communication to entertainment and beyond.

The study also sheds light on the ongoing discourse surrounding the impact of social media and smartphone usage on adolescent mental health. Concerns among parents and advocates have surged in recent years, prompting calls for stricter regulations of online platforms. But, despite these apprehensions, the majority of teens think that the benefits of smartphones outweigh the negatives.

Pexels | Photo by kat wilcox
Most teens think that the benefits of smartphones outweigh the negatives (representative image) | Pexels | Photo by kat wilcox

As many as 70 percent of the surveyed teens asserted that smartphones offer more advantages than disadvantages for individuals their age. This optimistic outlook is tempered by variations across demographic groups. Younger girls, particularly those aged 13 and 14, are more inclined to believe that the harms of smartphone usage outweigh the benefits, highlighting nuanced perspectives within the teenage cohort.

At the same time, teens identify several positive aspects associated with smartphone usage. Nearly, 70 percent of respondents believe that smartphones facilitate the pursuit of hobbies and interests while 45 percent contend that these devices aid academic performance. These findings highlight the role of smartphones in shaping teenage experiences both as tools for social interaction and as catalysts for personal growth and development.

Follow precautions and keep your mental health, personal life and money safe|Pexels
Follow precautions and keep your mental health, personal life and money safe (representative image) | Pexels

As society grapples with the implications of pervasive smartphone usage among teens, the Pew survey offers valuable insights into the nuanced attitudes and experiences of adolescents. While concerns regarding the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time persist, it's essential to recognize the diverse ways in which smartphones intersect with teenage lives, both positively and negatively. Moving forward, fostering a balanced approach to digital engagement is imperative to support holistic well-being in an increasingly connected world.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
She had already won more than $21,000 and a trip to Portugal before heading to the round.
14 hours ago
The contestant even apologized to Steve Harvey after her answer was called out.
15 hours ago
The host urged fans not to laugh at the answer, as it might come back to bite them in the future.
19 hours ago
The seller lacked any solid proof and as a result, nobody on the show wanted to offer him a deal.
1 day ago
The contestant wished that bars gave free alcohol to those already drunk out of their minds.
1 day ago
It would have been easy for Amy Schneider to respond harshly to the accusations, but she remained cool and collected.
1 day ago
The host was left shocked after hearing the answer as he mouthed "wow" a couple of times.
1 day ago
The contestant went on to win $20,000 for her family despite the awkward moment.
2 days ago
The entrepreneurs might have hoped that a third of their company would attract a shark, but it didn't.
2 days ago
She was just happy to be on the show and was not disappointed about leaving empty-handed.
2 days ago
Things got heated as all of the sharks took shots at each other for a chance to cut a deal.
2 days ago
The entrepreneur was selling a DVD set about men's grooming, which was priced at a whopping $297.
3 days ago
Some might have expected the host to be a bit upset but he was entertained.
3 days ago
The entrepreneurs had initially asked for $50,000 for a 50% stake in the company.
3 days ago
She had uploaded photos and videos from a taping on her Instagram stories.
3 days ago
The former contestant was a star on the show in 2017, winning $413,000 over 13 games.
4 days ago
The contestant took her own sweet time to come to the podium and Steve Harvey wasn't having it.
4 days ago
Other investors said no, and Robert Herjavec was not flexible at all, leaving the contestant in a tough spot.
4 days ago
Viewers believe that the Lamborghini was worth way more than what Corey Harrison was willing to pay.
4 days ago
The 51-year-old has been a part of the show for many years and fans absolutely love him.
5 days ago