Social Media Trends Impacting Students This Week: ChatGPT use doubles, screen time surges in classrooms, and social media shapes work
From the classrooms to career prep, social media and technology are shaping how students learn, connect, and navigate the world. Across K-12 schools, we’re seeing a sharp rise in ChatGPT usage among students, concerns over increased screen time in class, and trends in workplace dress codes shaped by social media that students need help navigating.
Let’s explore what’s happening, what it means for students, and how educators and school leaders can take the lead in empowering them to make positive, high-character decisions online and offline.
ChatGPT use among students has doubled: Helping Students Use A.I. Responsibly
The Gist: The percentage of students using ChatGPT for schoolwork has doubled in just two years to 26%, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. But while many students are diving into A.I.-powered tools, over half (52%) say their schools don’t have a clear A.I. policy. Educators have an opportunity to engage students in creating guidelines for responsible A.I. use—helping them understand its potential while recognizing its limitations.
What to Know: The Pew survey reveals that while students are embracing tools like ChatGPT, they may not fully grasp its pitfalls. For instance, ChatGPT often struggles with accuracy in math and factual information, as shown by studies where students using it for schoolwork performed worse in math and writing than their peers who didn’t.
Despite these challenges, A.I. tools are becoming more popular than ever. In fact, the number of teens using ChatGPT for schoolwork has doubled since 2023. However, with the rise of A.I.-generated deepfakes and the lack of accuracy in some areas, it’s more important than ever for students to fact-check information and verify sources. Many students may not fully understand the risks of exclusively relying on A.I.-generated content or the importance of discussing its use with their teachers.
TSI’s Take: With only 18% of K-12 educators using A.I. tools in classrooms and 25% believing A.I. does more harm than good, now is the time for schools to involve students in conversations about ethical A.I. use. Doing so can help students learn to leverage A.I. responsibly while avoiding unintended consequences. Creating an A.I. policy isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a teaching opportunity. Involve students in the process to help them understand both the power and pitfalls of A.I. Setting boundaries, encouraging fact-checking, and empowering ethical decision-making is just the start.
Want a proactive approach to empowering students to navigate A.I. in positive ways? Explore The Social Institute’s grade 5-8 #WinAtSocial Lesson: Examining the ethics around A.I. and plagiarism. This lesson equips students with the tools to navigate A.I. responsibly while discussing its ethical implications.
Class Time Has Become Screen Time: What Educators Need to Know
The Gist: In today’s schools, tech is everywhere–but not all students are loving the increased screen time. From kindergartners watching math lessons on YouTube to high schoolers collaborating on Google Docs, screens are a major part of students’ learning routines. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, creating an urgent need for districts to provide devices to students. By March 2021, 90% of districts had achieved a 1:1 device-to-student ratio for middle and high schoolers. While technology has opened new opportunities, many students are feeling the strain of constant screen use. This leaves educators navigating a tough balance: How can they integrate tech in meaningful ways while also addressing students’ need for offline learning and engagement?
What to Know: The widespread use of technology in classrooms, particularly devices like Chromebooks, has transformed how lessons are taught. Data shows that students now spend an average of 98 minutes a day on school-issued devices, with middle schoolers logging even more screen time. While many teachers say technology helps make lessons more engaging and personalized, others feel it’s leading to more distractions, less focus, and even some burnout. Some students say they are tired of staring at screens all day and that it gives them headaches and makes it harder to concentrate.
Teachers are also struggling with glitches, like slow internet or blocked videos, which slow down lessons. Schools with less tech, like Highline Public Schools in Washington state, found that going back to paper and hands-on methods after a cyberattack helped students connect with material better. On the other hand, some schools find that increased access to technology has reduced barriers to learning. It’s clear that there’s no single solution for how much technology should be used in learning.
TSI’s Take: The tech vs. traditional teaching debate is real, and educators are learning how to balance it all. While technology can certainly bring big benefits—like engaging students and offering personalized learning—it also brings challenges, like distractions and less face-to-face interaction.
For educators, it’s about finding the right mix. With 80% of #WinAtSocial Lessons focused on face-to-face conversation, educators and students love huddling on timely topics, such as the Grade 8 Lesson: Exploring why not all screen time is equal and the science behind it.
From Classroom to Career: Navigating Workplace Dress Codes and Trends
The Gist: #OOTD or Outfit Of The Day is a popular trend on TikTok and Instagram. Maybe you’ve seen these posts or have heard your students talking about them. Either way, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become popular sources for young professionals—and even older students preparing for internships or jobs—seeking outfit inspiration. However, trendy styles can sometimes clash with traditional workplace dress codes, creating teachable moments about professionalism. A recent viral TikTok by Kiera Bohan captured this issue when she shared her “outfit of the day”—a cropped sweater and chunky sneakers—and revealed she’d been called to HR for showing her midriff.
What to Know: In response to misleading workwear trends circulating online, creators like Sunny Lena are gaining attention for clarifying office-appropriate styles and advising against options like short skirts or sleeveless tops that may not align with professional dress codes. For educators, this is an opportunity to help students balance self-expression with professionalism as they prepare to navigate internships, interviews, and future careers.
Workplace dress codes are evolving, with many offices becoming more casual, but certain standards still remain. First impressions are crucial, and starting with polished, professional outfits—like blazers, slacks, or appropriate footwear—can make a significant impact as students transition into professional settings. It’s essential to teach students how to observe and adapt to the specific culture of a workplace, helping them navigate these expectations confidently.
TSI’s Take: Beyond just clothing, preparing students for professional life includes refining resumes, practicing interviews, and even cleaning up their social media profiles. As educators, we can help students bridge the gap between their personal expression and professionalism by giving them tools to make sure their online lives reflect their core values and reflect a positive reputation.
Looking for more ways to help your students be future-ready? Request a demo of the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Mastering interviews with colleges, universities, or employers.
Helping students navigate tech and social media trends in the classroom and beyond
As trends continue to evolve, educators have an opportunity to help students build lifelong skills in positive tech use and navigating their social world. Whether it’s co-creating A.I. guidelines with students, striking a balance between screen time and in-person learning, or helping them navigate the transition to the workforce, these conversations are key to preparing students for success.
At The Social Institute, we believe in fueling students’ health, happiness, and future success by equipping them with the skills to navigate their social world positively. Stay ahead of the latest trends impacting students by subscribing to The Huddle — our expert breakdown of social media, tech, and current events shaping students — online and offline.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.