You Won't Believe How Social Media Is Shrinking While Our Lives Expand—Find Out Why!

GRACE AIGNER: Welcome back to another episode of In The Know, a podcast dedicated to the University of Minnesota. With a month-long semester break approaching, I’ve been reflecting on my screen time habits. I’ve noticed that spending over three hours on my phone often leaves me feeling worse, a sentiment echoed by many of my friends. Despite our efforts to reduce screen time, the challenge remains real.

My curiosity led me to explore whether entering college influenced our perspectives on social media. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from University of Minnesota students and faculty, along with a high school student, about the evolving relationship young people have with social media and the psychology behind it.

Natalie Larson, a third-year student majoring in strategic communication and Spanish, shared her experience. “I really stopped using Instagram, to be honest. I haven’t posted since high school graduation, which was about two and a half years ago. In high school, I felt pressured to keep everyone updated, but in college, I just didn’t care anymore.” She recounted how the stress of posting faded as she transitioned to college life, noting, “I didn’t miss it.” Larson’s social media activity has shifted toward consuming content rather than creating it, primarily using platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for pop culture updates.

Maddy Cleverly, another third-year strategic communication student, mirrored Larson’s sentiments. She recalled how social media felt like a chore during her middle and high school years. “I always made sure to scroll through every story and post, thinking, ‘What if I miss something?’ But once I got to college, the number of people I needed to keep up with became overwhelming.” Cleverly described feeling the pressure to post during high school, opting instead to take photos for her friends rather than worrying about her own online presence.

Larson and Cleverly observed a commonality among their peers regarding social media habits. Larson, hailing from Minnetonka, Minnesota, noted, “In high school, having a large follower count was a big deal. I remember classmates mass-following just to improve their ratios, which seems silly now." As they entered college, both students felt a noticeable shift in priorities and pressures related to social media.

This shift mirrors broader trends among teenagers. According to a 2025 study by the American Psychological Association, 95% of U.S. teenagers aged 13 to 17 have access to a smartphone. This prevalence has prompted schools, including Minnetonka High School, to implement stricter phone policies. The school recently introduced a ban on phones during class, requiring students to silence their devices and place them in designated holders.

An anonymous senior at Minnetonka High School expressed a positive outlook on the phone ban. “It’s encouraged more genuine conversations among classmates. We’re more effective in using our time during class, which has reduced our workload.” She noted that while some peers were frustrated by the ban, it created an environment less dominated by phones and more focused on interpersonal interaction.

Family social science professor Xiaoran Sun, who studies the impact of social media on adolescents, emphasized the importance of monitoring teenagers' engagement with technology. “Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to social media’s allure, as they are in a critical phase of identity development. Their brains are wired to seek peer relationships, making them susceptible to both positive and negative influences.” Sun highlighted the concern not only for the quantity of time spent on social media but also for the harmful content young people might encounter, such as unrealistic beauty standards promoted by AI-generated imagery.

Strategic communication professor Shayla Thiel-Stern noted that as college students expand their social circles, their reliance on social media diminishes. “In high school, students often have smaller social networks, leading them to depend heavily on social media to stay connected. However, in college, they find their communities and, as a result, may become less engaged online.” She added that many young adults become more adept at curating their social media feeds, focusing on content that reflects their interests rather than succumbing to external pressures.

Despite these shifts, both Larson and Cleverly acknowledged the ongoing challenges of moderating social media use. Cleverly, aspiring to work in social media content creation, remarked, “While my career may require me to engage with social media, I’ve become more critical of my consumption. I want to ensure I’m not just consuming content that reinforces misinformation.”

Sun noted that many teens are becoming increasingly aware of social media’s addictive nature, finding creative ways to manage their screen time, such as hosting low-screen-time competitions with friends. “It’s essential to recognize that you’re trying to make positive changes. This battle against powerful algorithms designed by tech giants isn’t easy,” she said.

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of social media. Sun pointed out the rising trend of AI companionship among teenagers, with 72% of U.S. teenagers having used AI companion software and over 50% using it regularly, according to a 2025 Common Sense Media study. This shift raises questions about the potential implications for social interactions and mental health.

Thiel-Stern emphasized that college is an ideal time for young adults to experiment with setting personal boundaries around technology use. “It’s tough, especially during busy periods, but finding ways to unplug can lead to healthier digital habits.”

As we approach the winter break, Larson and Cleverly both expressed the desire to reduce their social media engagement. Larson remarked, “When I was 16, it felt as though everything mattered. Now, at 20, I see the bigger picture. College opens us up to new ideas and perspectives, and I’ve come to realize that social media isn’t my whole life.”

In conclusion, as we prepare for a break from the academic grind, I encourage listeners to reflect on their own social media usage and consider making conscious efforts to disconnect. Whether it’s diving into a good book, catching up on movies, or enjoying a coffee with friends, let’s embrace the opportunities beyond our screens.

That wraps up today’s episode! If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll talk to you next time on In The Know.