** Nearly half of US teens are online "constantly," Pew report finds

A recent report from the Pew Research Center indicates that nearly half of American teenagers are online 'constantly,' raising concerns about the mental health implications of social media and smartphone usage. YouTube remains the most utilized platform, with 90% of teens engaging regularly, despite a slight drop from 95% in 2022. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat have seen minor declines, suggesting a shift in how teens spend their online time, while WhatsApp has gained popularity. The report highlights demographic differences, with girls more likely to use TikTok frequently and boys predominantly favoring YouTube. Additionally, disparities in usage frequency among racial groups are noted, with a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens visiting TikTok almost constantly, compared to just 8% of white teens.

Conducted from September 18 to October 10, 2024, the survey included 1,391 participants and offers critical insights into the digital habits of today's youth, emphasizing the complex relationship between adolescents and technology.