Social Media and Screen Time for Teens Today

by Neko Paige

On average, the normal teen’s screen time is 7 hours per day or 25, 200 seconds. That is more than the usual recommended hours for a good night’s rest. The most popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are all apps that use a scrolling motion that shortens the attention span and draws you in, making teens and even adults more inclined to be dependent on the app. Social media like Pinterest and other apps are also able to be used in a educational way, it just depends on the side of the internet you end up on. Harmful materials are also a huge part of social media, that can take down your self esteem and body image, increasing mental illness like depression and anxiety. But as said before, phones, computers and other forms of electronics are also able to be used for education with apps and platforms that encourage learning and creativity.