Teenage Social Media Use in the Time of COVID-19: Resilience, Connection, Entertainment, and Learning

• In Event: Technology Supports and Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In this survey of American teenagers during summer 2020, we explore how the pandemic has affected their lives and overall well-being and how they have used social media for a variety of purposes during the pandemic. Teens reported less engagement with school and related activities during remote schooling, increased stress, and future worries. For most teens, social media plays an important role in life, with use at the same or higher levels than pre-pandemic times. They use it not only for social and entertainment purposes, but also to keep informed and to support learning. This has implications for teen social and school connections and overall well-being into the uncertain 2020-21 school year and beyond.

Authors

• Vanessa Paz Dennen, The Florida State University

• Stacey A. Rutledge, Florida State University

• Lauren Bagdy, Florida State University

• Stephen Bunn, Florida State University

• Daeun Jung, Florida State University

• Casey Cargill, Florida State University

• Catherine Cosgrove, Florida State University

• Amber Hedquist, Florida State University

• Shannon McWaters, Florida State University