Research shows that in a world filled with technology, video games and devices, teens are becoming less social.
“According to a recent report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, teens and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 saw a steep decline in the rates of socialization, dropping from one hour a day to just 35 minutes in 2025,” Parents reported. “The report also shows those 15 to 19 years old were more likely than any other age group to use a computer for leisure.”
The Institute for Family Studies found similar data. In the 1980s, 88% of teens visited friends weekly, while in 2024, only 69% reported doing so. In the ’80s, 43% of teens said they had an hour of leisure time alone daily. That number jumped to 75% in 2024. On the dating front, 87% of teens went on dates in the ’80s, while on 46% did in 2024.
But even though rates are declining, social interactions remain just as vital for teens and children.
“Teens who are skilled interpersonally have closer connections and experience greater well-being,” clinical psychologist Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, told Parents. “They’re more likely to see greater academic success. They’re less likely to be bullied. And people who have closer friendships as teens are more likely to go on to have healthier friendships and relationships, and see greater professional success later on in life too.”
Devices can’t be blamed for everything, though. Busy schedules and limited free time hinder teens’ ability to meet up with friends socially.
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“Their activities are often scheduled, and when adults are in charge of everything, kids struggle to learn how to make rules, resolve conflict and negotiate,” Amy Morin, LCSW, psychotherapist and host of the “Mentally Stronger” podcast, explained. “Free time with friends is key to developing social skills.”
Following COVID, many third spaces — “informal, accessible places where people gather voluntarily, build relationships and create shared meaning,” as defined by the University of Iowa — have disappeared.
“There are fewer gatherings at home, and there are fewer places to gather outside of the home with the decline of third spaces,” Kirmayer shared. “All of that trickles down to the younger generation and, when we have fewer opportunities to practice socializing, the task of doing so can feel more effortful and daunting.”
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt emphasized that playing with other children helps development in a way interacting online can’t.
“Online communication is asynchronous and disembodied. It uses only 2 senses, sight and hearing,” Haidt said on Instagram. “Real-world communication, on the other hand, is synchronous — you are speaking at the same time, in the same space. It uses all 5 senses and allows the brain to learn facial cues and body language. It’s embodied.”
“In the real world you can also have secrets with your friends, whereas online you are putting up a performance,” he continued. “Real-world communication is one-to-one, or one to a small group. Online communication is a carefully planned, anxiety-provoking performance. It’s personal brand building, and it’s one-to-many, 24/7, and a source of anxiety because anything can happen at any point. It has no off switch. The selfie you posted could get no likes or it could get 1,000; you could get all positive comments or someone could say something mean and cyberbully you. This isn’t the ‘expression’ that’s healthy for preteens and teens.”
Protecting teen well-being requires reversing the decline in face-to-face interaction by giving young people the unstructured free time, physical spaces and real-world connections essential for their development.
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