Whether they’re sending texts, making video calls, or playing video games over the internet, kids are more connected to one another than ever before. And experts say there’s no doubt that all this technology use is affecting kids’ friendships.
Many people say smartphones and computers make friendships stronger because they enable kids to stay in constant contact with each other. Others point out that technology has been especially important in keeping friends connected while they’re social distancing.
But many people argue that using technology is no substitute for being with friends in real life. And, they say, when kids do get together, they often spend more time staring at their phones than talking. Other people worry that relying on screens can lead to bad behavior. In a 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of teens reported being cyberbullied.