1 million Student Responses Reveal the top Trends in how Social Media and Tech Impact Students’ Learning and Wellbeing in 2025

When it comes to social media and tech, students' worlds are evolving faster than the latest TikTok trend. Between the meteoric rise of AI, pressure from peers to be constantly connected, and the increasing impact of grind culture, today’s teens are navigating a landscape where technology plays a central role in every aspect of their lives.

That’s why, for the past five years, our team at The Social Institute has surveyed students to understand how they are navigating social media and tech, the challenges they face, and how it impacts their wellbeing. Our latest report captures the voices of more than 53,000 students and one million data points, spanning grades 3-12 across the U.S. and abroad --- making it the largest-ever dataset exploring how social media and technology shape student experiences. 

So, what are the top trends impacting students this year?

Across all grade levels, the biggest challenge students who use social media face is spending too much time on it. Their favorite apps are YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, which they use to connect with friends, watch fun and interesting videos that align with their interests, play games, and follow influencers and role models.

AI adoption continues to soar and is revolutionizing how students access information and complete schoolwork. At The Social Institute, we encourage students to think of AI as a personalized thought partner, helping them learn more effectively and efficiently, just like digital calculators did when they made their debut in the 1970s. 

It’s important for adults to understand that artificial intelligence doesn’t just mean chatbots like ChatGPT.  From sunup until sundown, it has become an integral part of students’ everyday lives. When we surveyed high school students to find out what kind of AI they use  most frequently, they ranked content recommendations like Spotify’s AI DJ or YouTube’s suggested videos, at the top, followed by voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

However, as AI permeates students’ daily lives, this also means new challenges, such as navigating the spread of AI-generated deepfake images and understanding when to use it and when not to use it. Educators play a vital role in equipping students with the skills to critically evaluate AI-generated content and make responsible choices, and this starts with setting clear guidelines for A.I. use in their schools. Yet, when asked, only 22% of middle schoolers say that their school has clear rules on how students can use AI. 

As students embrace AI and schools and parents react to uphold academic integrity, the answer to avoiding the gray area is for adults to proactively set and communicate clear policies, ensuring that AI not only enhances learning but also fosters a generation of critical thinkers capable of discerning fact from fiction in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Another tech trend impacting students is new legislation efforts to restrict devices in classrooms, with many states implementing bans on cell phone use in schools. But outright bans don’t address the underlying need for tech and social media education -- and between tech-savvy students, hard-to-enforce laws, and overworked teachers, students will continue to find ways to use their favorite social media apps. Yet, with a whopping 97% of teens reporting they use their phones during the school day, it’s clear that schools need guidelines for how and when students can use them. Forward-thinking schools are empowering students with healthy habits through regular lessons on striking a balance and handling the pressure of social media. 

Here are some additional takeaways from this year’s student social report: 

• The majority of students get their first smartphone at 11 years old

• 76% of 9th graders say they get their news from social media at least sometimes

• 57% of 9th - 12th graders shared they feel stressed or annoyed by drama in group chats at least sometimes

• 58% of 4th graders use Google a few times a week or daily to search websites or look up information

• Nearly half of 5th graders said they rarely or never make sure a video or post is positive or helpful before they share it

• 52% of 6th graders reported feeling like they are missing out on something fun their friends are doing, with frequency ranging from daily (8%) to often: a few times a week (18%) to sometimes: a few times a month (26%)

• 66% of 7th graders say they rarely or never experience or see online bullying 

• 85% of 12th graders say they feel stressed about making decisions about their future after graduation 

The bottom line -- social media and tech are moving targets, so it’s important to listen to students and understand how they are navigating them right now -- because the more we understand students, the more we can empower and equip them with future-ready skills to thrive in a tech-fueled world. 

For more insights, check out The Social Institute’s full report here.