Elevating Student Voice: What the #1 student survey about social media, tech, and well-being can tell us
Social media is one of the greatest influences on students’ health, happiness, and future success. It helps them stay connected to each other, their communities, and their world. And it’s not going away. So how can educators empower and equip students to navigate their social media and technology in positive ways, rather than scare and restrict? The key is understanding how students use social media and tech.
We surveyed 22,952 students at U.S. public and independent schools from Aug. 1 – Dec. 1, 2022, to find out how they are using social media and tech and what they want educators to know about how it impacts their well-being. The main takeaway? Social media is being social.
Let’s dive into what students revealed about their online social worlds.
Where are students hanging out on social media?
This year, there was a clear winner when it came to what app students used the most. No matter what grade they are in, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, and even 9th-12th, students ranked YouTube as the #1 app that they use on a weekly basis.
High school students ranked email and Snapchat next, while middle schoolers ranked FaceTime and Email as their second and third. For 4th-5th graders, FaceTime and Video Streaming ranked second and third place for them.
A few new apps hit students’ devices this year, too. BeReal, Gas, and ChatGPT are inspiring students to be their most authentic selves, giving students a space to compliment each other, and redefining how students do online research. It’s no wonder these up-and-coming apps are at the top of students’ minds for trending and new platforms.
How are students using social media?
From following popular influencers to connecting with the world around them, students use social media in a variety of different ways. In fact, we asked students what their go-to source for news is, and social media ranked in the top spot.
When it comes to what students wish adults knew about social media, there’s a clear theme: social media is a tool, not a weapon for students. Here’s a preview of what they had to say:
- “Social media encourages us young people to follow our dreams.”
- “Social media allows me to stay connected with my friends across the world.”
- “Social media means being able to connect with people, and stay up-to-date with friends, content creators, and celebrities.”
- “Social media allows people who normally may not have a platform to express themselves.”
The bottom line: students use social media to connect, communicate with the world around them, and learn new hobbies and skills.
TSI’s Take
As you look to empower your school community in 2023, consider how well you understand your students’ behaviors and actions online. Because the better you understand your students, the better you can equip them to navigate their well-being, social media, and tech in positive and high-character ways.
Our 23 Insights for 2023 Report is just one of the many ways that we elevate student voice and equip school communities with the tools they need to proactively approach social media and technology.
Dive into our report to learn:
- Which apps and devices students are using on a weekly basis
- What students want educators to know about social media and tech
- How 4th-12th grade students are navigating social situations, both online and offline
Discover how students are using social media and tech by downloading our report here.
Always stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest trends online by subscribing to our newsletter where we talk about trending tech and social media news weekly! In the meantime, check out our Instagram and TikTok @thesocialinst for tips and highlights on all the well-being, social media, and tech trends impacting students.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.