Pew Research: Teens Value TikTok and Instagram Don't Disturb Mental, Parents Are Worried

The Pew Research survey shows that teenagers feel TikTok and Instagram have no negative impact on the mind (photo; x @pewresearch)

JAKARTA - A recent report from the Pew Research Center reveals a sharp difference between the perceptions of teenagers and parents regarding the impact of social media on mental health.

The majority of teenagers stated that platforms such as TikTok and Instagram do not have a negative impact on their psychological condition. On the other hand, parents see more serious risks.

Teenager Feels Fine

In the survey, about 60 percent of teenagers said that what they saw on social media did not affect their feelings about themselves.

In fact, around 15 percent of TikTok users admit that the content they consume actually makes them feel better. This figure is much higher than the 3 percent who feel the opposite effect.

This finding is interesting because social media has often been associated with psychological stress, especially due to the standard of living that seems "perfect" in the digital world.

Parents Have Different Concerns

Although teenagers tend to be relaxed, about a quarter of parents surveyed believe that social media has a negative impact on their children's mental health.

This difference in perception indicates the existence of a "digital generation gap", in which teenagers feel more adaptable to the online environment, while parents see it from the perspective of long-term risks.

Although it is not considered to have a direct impact on the mind, teenagers still acknowledge the side effects of using social media.

Some say TikTok has a negative impact on their sleep quality and productivity. In addition, the issue of digital bullying is still a concern.

Around three-quarters of users consider bullying a serious problem for their peers. In fact, 30 percent of teenagers admit to having experienced at least one form of harassment, ranging from insults, spreading rumors, to physical threats.

Between Perception and Reality

This report shows a complex dynamic: adolescents feel "safe", but the data show a real risk that is often not realized or directly acknowledged.

This phenomenon explains why a number of countries are beginning to consider stricter regulations on access to social media for teenagers.

In the midst of the increasingly rapid digital flow, the question is no longer whether social media is dangerous or not. But how aware are users of the impact that may not be felt today - but can appear quietly, like a notification that comes at 3 am, making sleep chaotic without realizing it.

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