Between smartphones, computers, tablets, and gaming devices, there are plenty of ways for us to connect with each other online. According to experts, all this technology is affecting kids’ friendships.
Many people point out that sharing videos or playing games online lets kids have fun together even when they’re not in the same place. And 8 in 10 teens say using social media makes them feel more connected to what’s happening in their friends’ lives. That’s according to a 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center.
But other people argue that hanging out with friends online isn’t as meaningful as being with them in real life. They say sending quick texts isn’t the same as having face-to-face conversations. Plus, relying on devices to communicate can make kids less comfortable interacting with others in person. Even when kids are together, staring at their phones can interrupt quality time. In a different survey by Pew Research Center, in 2023, more than 40 percent of teens said smartphones make it harder to learn good social skills.