Your cart is currently empty!
Screen Time Can Actually Strengthen Teen Relationships
In a recent conversation with Dr. Lucy Thompson, the lead researcher on a groundbreaking study, she explained how “[m]any teenagers can’t always physically be with their friends […] Online platforms provide a way for teens to connect and maintain friendships even when they’re unable to meet in person.” According to the findings, a striking fifty-seven percent of teens have formed new friendships online, with 29 percent claiming to have made over five online friends. Interestingly, only 20 percent of those who made virtual connections have met their new friends face-to-face. It seems that young people are quite comfortable with this arrangement; they often feel informed about their friends’ lives and emotionally connected, which are key indicators of healthy relationships. Dr. Thompson notes that “[Sixty-eight] percent of teens using social media believe their friends have supported them during tough times.”
Moms, in particular, can understand the online socialization trends among teenagers. Reflecting on my own teenage years, I spent most of my time socializing face-to-face—going to dinners, attending parties, or hitting the slopes. While texting and emailing were part of my life, deep conversations that solidified friendships typically happened over coffee or drinks.
However, once I became a parent, my social life faced new challenges—nap schedules, early bedtimes, and the demands of a school-aged child often left little room for in-person gatherings. But just like the teens, I turned to online socializing—through emails, social media, and chat rooms—to fill the gap. Though it doesn’t quite replicate the warmth of sharing a bottle of wine on a friend’s couch, it does provide essential support and connection that can be hard to find in real life.
Similarly, teens are making the best of their situations. Whether it’s due to distance, extracurricular commitments, or a lack of safe hangout spots, they can still connect online to chat and share their lives, much like we used to do at the local pizza shop or on the boardwalk.
That said, managing a social life primarily online isn’t without its downsides. Teens can be just as susceptible to feelings of jealousy or hurt as adults. For instance, seeing a social media post of friends having fun without them might sting, or a misunderstanding over a text can lead to significant distress.
In conclusion, no teen’s social life is drama-free, whether it unfolds online or offline. Young people are learning how to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and conflicts, be they digital or face-to-face, are a normal part of growing up. It’s a relief to realize that many of our worries about isolation and poor social skills may be unfounded. I think I’ll hop online and share this with all my friends!
For more insights, check out our other blog post about home insemination here. If you’re looking for trusted resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CDC’s website, and for specialized home insemination kits, CryoBaby is highly recommended.