As regulators in various regions seek to impose age restrictions on social media access to reduce harm among young users—and with Snapchat currently under scrutiny for its role in facilitating illegal activity—the company has highlighted two studies asserting that its platform offers positive experiences for teen engagement.

The first study, conducted by The University of Amsterdam, found that among adolescent users of major social media platforms, Snapchat is the only one that positively influences well-being.

According to the report:

“We observed a consistent negative impact on time spent on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube across all three mental health dimensions. In contrast, spending time on Snapchat positively affected friendship closeness and well-being, though it had no significant impact on self-esteem.”

This finding is certainly welcome news for Snapchat, as it has positioned itself as a more positive alternative to traditional social media interactions. 

Interestingly, the report also indicated that WhatsApp has a more favorable impact compared to other messaging apps.

It's important to note that the report's scope is relatively narrow, based on feedback from just 479 participants. However, it raises some intriguing points that could serve as a counterargument to ongoing concerns regarding social media's effects on teen health.

The researchers stated:

“Our findings highlight the complex and multifaceted impact of social media on adolescent mental health. While negative effects are widespread—particularly on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram—not all social media use appears to be harmful. This study emphasizes the urgent need for more nuanced research and targeted interventions that consider specific platforms and the individual experiences of adolescents.”

Additionally, Snapchat has referenced a second report conducted by three Australian mental health organizations, which concluded that using Snapchat was not linked to the common mental health issues often associated with social media apps.

That’s a strong endorsement for the app, as its emphasis on connecting friends contributes to a more positive user experience, in contrast to other platforms that prioritize public posting.

This might be another reason why Meta has been eager to focus on private messaging while populating users' main feeds with AI-recommended posts, as it encourages less harmful interactions.

Regardless, these findings are clearly positive for Snap's initiatives. Enhanced user experiences can lead to better advertising and marketing opportunities.