Parents’ worries about kids using tech are old news, but the way teens use it today is different. With smartphones and tablets, teens have access to a wealth of private tech that’s contributing to new stress levels.
Sharing locations on social media apps like Snapchat has become common among high schoolers, who can see where their friends are without them. This phenomenon contributes to anxiety in social situations, especially during high school when students are already stressed.
Experts say that online socialization lacks the benefits of face-to-face interaction, which releases chemicals in the brain and boosts mood. Online interactions like group chats or social media posts have even less value.
Even AI friends or romantic interests are being hailed as a cure for loneliness, but they might actually exacerbate feelings of isolation, particularly among teens who struggle with depression or anxiety.
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, says prioritizing youth mental health over social media growth could have significant economic implications. He argues that Big Tech’s current profit models rely on endless scrolling, leading to addiction and engagement.
Harris proposes regulation and safety-focused lawsuits as ways to incentivize tech companies to improve youth mental health. Pinterest has announced it will be the first tech company to support phone-free schools, introducing a pop-up reminder for teens when they’re on their app during school hours.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/16/teen-loneliness-tech-ai-chatbots