It’s no secret that our kids are living virtual lives on social platforms these days. In 2019, it’s almost impossible not to. But a new study shows that parents may be in the dark about one social media trend that teens are turning to in an effort to “keep it real” online without the watchful eye of mom and dad.
A study conducted by The Social Institute surveyed nearly 1,500 middle and high school students on their social media habits. According to researchers, 62 percent of teens said they use Instagram, while 58 percent are on Snapchat. And while texting was still the most popular way teens keep in touch with one another (used by 98 percent of those surveyed), Facebook usage was a mere 7 percent, meaning our kids are not using the platforms that we are.
Social media coach and founder of The Social Institute, Laura Tierney, says Facebook is like “the mall on a Friday night. If your parents show up, you won’t go near it.”