Unwanted intimate photos, bullying, and violent content on social media are significant burdens for teenagers. Exposure to problematic material has become a routine part of life for many, as highlighted by the results of the representative JIM-Plus study presented in Mainz.
The study, conducted by the Southwest Association for Media Pedagogical Research (Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverband Südwest), examined the digital well-being of teenagers aged 14 to 17 in Germany. It characterizes social media use as a constant balancing act between inspiration and psychological stress, with many experiencing a “roller coaster ride” of emotions.
Impact of social media on well-being and concentration
Social relationships with friends, in sports, and within families are central to the personal well-being of respondents. However, fewer than one in five identify social media as one of the top three activities that enhance their well-being. When facing worries and stress, teenagers primarily turn to music and seek conversations with trusted individuals. Only 12 percent engage with AI chatbots for communication.
Using social media as a distraction is a strategy predominantly employed by girls and individuals over 16 years old—more than half of each group. 72 percent of teenagers report that social media distracts them from their tasks. 55 percent say this distraction leaves them with less time for rest and leisure, and the same percentage feels they waste time on social media. Additionally, 61 percent of teenagers struggle to distinguish real content from AI-generated material. 40 percent feel their concentration is declining. Nearly two-thirds of users automatically compare themselves to others, and more than half believe that “others live better than I do.” Girls use social media more frequently than boys but also report higher levels of comparison pressure and express discomfort with their bodies more often.
Positive aspects and problematic content
Social media platforms, particularly YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, play a crucial role in the digital well-being of young people. The study notes that these platforms are the most common online activities among teenagers. They provide 82 percent with valuable access to knowledge, and about half feel understood while using them.
According to the study, teenagers frequently encounter fake news (71 percent), extreme political or religious content (43 percent), and hate speech (40 percent) online. Content that trivializes eating disorders or self-harm, along with unwanted intimate photos, bullying, and violent scenes, is particularly distressing. Most teenagers respond to problematic content by scrolling past it, with about one in three stating they have become accustomed to such material on social media. Only about a quarter report problematic posts on these platforms.
TikTok is the platform most often cited by teenagers as a source of problematic content. The study notes: “Although the platform is evaluated most critically compared to other services, it ranks second among the services that teenagers would miss the most.” Among girls, TikTok ranks first. The platform also has the highest proportion of very intensive users (more than three hours a day)—13 percent.
Attitudes towards age restrictions
More than half of the respondents express skepticism about social media bans, stating they are “very easy to bypass.” At the same time, 43 percent believe social media should be restricted for those under a certain age. Most users recommend a higher starting age for social media use than the age at which they began using it. 47 percent of respondents even envy generations that grew up without social media, especially girls (52 percent). In the ongoing debate about bans, fewer than one in ten believe that the perspectives of young people have been adequately considered.
Source: Der Spiegel
