In a heartwarming Easter outreach, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Cross River State chapter, brought smiles to the faces of elderly residents at the Pope John Paul II Good Samaritan Home in Calabar.
The team, led by Chairperson Rekpene Uket, yesterday donated essential food items and toiletries to the home, emphasizing the need to show love and compassion, especially during festive seasons.
“This visit is a way of saying thank you to God for His love by sharing what we have with those often forgotten. In previous years, we celebrated Easter with the aged at another home, and we’ll continue to reach out as God gives us grace,” she said.
Uket made a passionate appeal to government bodies, NGOs, civil society groups, corporate firms, and individuals to join hands in supporting the less privileged, stressing the tough economic realities many of these homes face.
Speaking on behalf of the people, Mr. Akpan, emotionally shared his story with the visitors. “I was abandoned by my own family, but this home took me in. God bless you for remembering people like us who have no one. You didn’t just bring gifts, you brought hope,” he said.
Representing the management of the Good Samaritan Home, Rev. Sister Mary Claudia, expressed deep gratitude to NAWOJ for their thoughtful gesture towards the home.
“We are truly thankful for your love and generosity. It gives us strength and encouragement,” she said.
She however, noted the enormous challenges faced by the home, especially in caring for the aged without steady support. “We need the help of kind hearted individuals and institutions. The burden is heavy, and we can’t carry it alone. The elderly here rely on our collective compassion.”
Rev. Sister Claudia concluded by urging society to continue showing up for its most vulnerable members.
Shareholders of Nigerian Breweries Plc have approved the cancellation of 1.9 billion unissued ordinary shares following the company’s recently concluded ₦599.1bn rights issue.
The resolution was passed at the company’s 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the restructuring of its share capital.
The cancelled shares, which were not taken up during the rights issue, were removed in compliance with Section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and Regulation 13 of the Companies Regulations 2021.
With this action, the company’s issued share capital has been revised downward to ₦15.49bn, now divided into 30,983,026,920 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.
Prior to the cancellation, the company had created 22.61 billion additional ordinary shares, raising the total share capital to ₦16.44bn as part of the capital restructuring strategy for the ₦599.1bn rights issue approved by shareholders at the AGM held on April 26, 2024.
In a resolution ratified at the 79th AGM, shareholders formally endorsed all actions taken by the Board of Directors under the authority granted at the previous AGM.
This included the creation of the new shares and subsequent cancellation of the 1.9 billion units not subscribed to.
The capital adjustment forms part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its balance sheet and support long-term financial sustainability.
The management noted that the rights issue and related changes are crucial for reducing debt, improving liquidity, and positioning Nigerian Breweries for future growth amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
In addition to the capital restructuring, shareholders also approved amendments to Article 81 of the company’s Articles of Association, granting the Board of Directors greater flexibility in securing financing.
Under the amended provision, directors may borrow funds up to two and a half times the paid-up share capital and reserves, excluding temporary bank loans, without further shareholder approval.
The amendment, however, includes safeguards: any lender or third party dealing with the company is not required to confirm if the borrowing threshold is observed, although debts incurred beyond the limit would only be invalid if the lender had prior knowledge that the limit had been exceeded.
Shareholders Approve Cancellation Of 1.9 Billion Nigerian Breweries Shares is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
SAN JOSE — It was one last hurrah for Nick Nash on his home field, where he became one of the most prolific receivers in the history of San Jose State football.
Nash went through the paces on his pro day last month with some of his Spartans teammates, catching everything thrown his way as usual.
“One last time for us to get together,” Nash said.
As a senior, Nash won the NCAA’s triple crown, leading the nation in receptions (104), yards (1,382) and touchdowns (16). So it’s clear Nash can do the three things that are most important in the NFL — get open, catch the ball and score touchdowns.
If only it were that simple.
When the NFL Draft begins with the first round Thursday, Nash’s phone will be silent. Barring a major surprise, it will remain that way on Friday through the second and third rounds. Finally on Day 3, Nash will receive the call that he hopes will change his life anywhere from the fourth through seventh rounds.
Twenty-six teams showed up to see Nash and some of his college teammates work out at CEFCU Stadium last month. Nash knows the draft process is ultra-critical, and he plans on being patient.
“It’s politics. It’s how it works,” Nash said after his workout. “I’m not really worried about the outside noise. I’m just trying to focus on myself and showing I belong at the next level.”
Nash sat out the Spartans’ 41-39 loss to South Florida in the Hawaii Bowl to get a jump on the NFL Scouting Combine. He trained at Bommarito Performance in Miami to enhance physical attributes other than being able to exploit holes in a defense and convert first downs.
“Got me where I needed to be,” Nash said.
Nash’s 40-yard dash time was an adequate 4.57 with a 34-inch vertical leap and a 10 foot, 3 inch broad jump. He measured at just over 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds. It won’t be enough for a first-round draft day call like previous triple-crown winners DeVonta Smith of Alabama (No. 10 overall to Philadelphia in 2020) or Michael Crabtree (No. 10 to the 49ers in 2009).
A fourth triple-crown winner, Jerreth Sterns of Western Kentucky, never did get drafted in 2021 after catching 150 passes for 1,902 yards and 17 touchdowns. He signed as an undrafted free agent with Tampa Bay, didn’t stick, had a cup of coffee on the Rams practice squad, and is now property of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Nash just wants a chance, and he knows what NFL teams are looking for. He’s been invited to the 49ers’ local Pro Day on April 9. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk isn’t expected to play until the season is underway after a torn ACL.
“I think getting off press coverage is going to be the biggest thing,” Nash said. “From the coaches that I’ve talked to, that’s the biggest transition for all receivers. I can do it, but it’s obviously something I still have to work on.”
Now that the measuring and timing of the combine is done, Nash believes he can sell an NFL team an obvious truth — that nothing matters more for a wide receiver than finding open areas, securing the ball and getting in the end zone.
Nash came to San Jose State as a quarterback before moving to receiver in 2022. So he understands route concepts and how things work in the passing game.
Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group
Nick Nash (3) of Sam Jose State scores one of his 16 touchdowns in 2024 against Wyoming at CEFCU Stadium.
“I would say the ability to get open, high-point balls and my aggressiveness toward catching it will be the biggest thing,” he said. “My mind is going to be a big key for me, showing I can learn an offense quickly and produce at a high level.”
San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget is admittedly biased. Nash was both his roommate, golf partner and favorite receiver and the thought of him lasting until Day 3 is a head-scratcher.
“It blows my mind,” Eget said. “I think he will be one of the best players in the NFL right away. I think people don’t know the amount of knowledge he has and the understanding of the game he he has. He’s still young at the position compared to guys who have played it their whole life.”
There are plenty of examples of receivers whose skill at catch the ball has superseded the physical attributes of running and jumping.
The 49ers got their leading receiver in 2024, Jauan Jennings, in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Rams got Cooper Kupp in the third round, and all he did was win the NFL’s version of the triple crown in 2021. Kupp is now with Seattle, in part because the Rams found another gem in Puka Nacua of Brigham Young in the fifth round in 2023 (177 overall) after 19 other wide receivers were drafted.
For what it’s worth, Nacua’s 40-yard dash time at the combine was 4.57 — the same as Nash.
“I feel like I can play fast, I can play slower, I can play big and small,” Nash said. “I think I’m pretty versatile in that way. I’d say the closest comp would be Nacua and Kupp, and it would be cool to end up with someone like that and learn from some of those guys.”
Field Yates covers the NFL and the draft for ESPN and likes what he sees even if he believes Nash will last until the third day.
“I like Nick a lot,” Yates said on a conference call. “He has got so much nuance and craft to his game. The guy is operating at a higher level than any defensive back that tried to cover him unsuccessfully last year.”
Yates sees Nash as being similar to Marques Colston, a former seventh-round draft pick out of Hofstra who caught 711 passes for 9,759 yards and 72 touchdowns in 10 seasons as a perfect offensive fit for coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees.
With a bigger body than a slot corner and agile enough to get away from linebackers and safeties, Yates sees a possible future as an inside slot receiver.
Jordan Reid, another ESPN draft analyst, cited Nash’s moderate physical gifts as a negative in a draft sense.
“He put up some gaudy numbers last year. They pushed the ball to him a whole bunch and he put up ridiculous numbers,” Reid said. “I think fifth or sixth is a fair projection. The production is off the charts. It’s just a matter of how comfortable are you with his athleticism?”
Nash doesn’t take the critiques personally and smiles when it’s suggested that catching the ball is actually down the list when it comes to scouting NFL receivers.
“There’s not much I can do about it,” Nash said. “I’ll leave that to the analysts and scouts. They get paid to do it so I’m sure know what they’re doing.”
Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us
Description
SAP MDM (Master Data Management) Consultant with expertise in Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) modules, including Production Planning (PP), Plant Maintenance (PM), and Quality Management (QM). The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of SAP MDM processes, tools, and best practices, with a focus on managing master data for asset-intensive industries. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining SAP MDM solutions tensure accurate, consistent, and reliable master data across the organization. The consultant will collaborate with cross-functional teams tsupport business processes, improve data quality, and drive operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Master Data Management Implementation:
Design, configure, and implement SAP MDM solutions for EAM modules (PP, PM, QM).
Define and maintain master data governance policies, standards, and procedures.
Ensure data consistency, accuracy, and integrity across SAP and non-SAP systems.
EAM Expertise:
Work closely with the EAM teams tunderstand their master data requirements.
Manage master data objects such as Equipment, Functional Locations, Bills of Materials (BOMs), Work Centers, and Inspection Plans.
Support integration between SAP MDM and SAP EAM modules (PP, PM, QM).
Data Quality and Governance:
Monitor and improve the quality of master data through regular audits, cleansing, and enrichment activities.
Develop and enforce data governance frameworks tensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Resolve data-related issues and provide root cause analysis.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
Collaborate with business stakeholders, IT teams, and external vendors tdeliver MDM solutions.
Conduct workshops and training sessions teducate users on MDM processes and tools.
Act as a liaison between technical teams and business units tensure alignment of MDM strategies with business goals.
Project Management:
Participate in end-to-end MDM projects, including requirements gathering, solution design, testing, and deployment.
Manage timelines, deliverables, and resources for MDM initiatives.
Provide regular updates tproject managers and stakeholders on project progress.
Technical Expertise:
Utilize SAP MDM tools and technologies, including SAP Information Steward, SAP Data Services, and SAP S/4HANA MDG (Master Data Governance).
Develop and maintain data models, workflows, and validation rules.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related tMDM systems.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation within the MDM landscape.
Stay updated on the latest SAP MDM trends, tools, and best practices.
Recommend and implement enhancements timprove system performance and user experience.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
SAP MDM or SAP EAM certification is highly desirable.
Experience:
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in SAP MDM, with a focus on EAM modules (PP, PM, QM).
Proven experience in implementing and managing SAP MDM solutions in asset-intensive industries.
Strong understanding of SAP EAM modules and their integration with MDM.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in SAP MDM tools (SAP MDG, SAP Information Steward, SAP Data Services).
Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and its implications for master data management.
Familiarity with data modeling, ETL processes, and data integration techniques.
Soft Skills:
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability twork independently and as part of a team.
Detail-oriented with a focus on data accuracy and quality.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with non-SAP systems and their integration with SAP MDM.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements related tasset management (e.g., IS55000).
Experience in Agile or Scrum project management methodologies.
Work Environment:
This role may require occasional travel tother company locations or SAP events.
Ability twork in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us
Telesure Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd (TIH) is the holding company of some of South Africas leading and innovative financial institutions. These financial institutions are licensed to provide financial products and/or services ranging from short-term, long-term and health insurance as well as a comparison and investment platforms. Our origins go back to …
Read more about this company
Business Analyst
Job Purpose
Perform a threefold chain of work for Internal Customers at all three levels -Operational, Tactical and Strategic – as required. Conduct Investigation, Analysis and Description. Investigate and analyse on request Business ideas, needs and problems, and utilise frameworks, syntaxes and standard methods to perform descriptive work. Develop models, processes, documents and reports to ensure efficiencies.
Responsibilities
Stakeholder Engagement
Identify and manage stakeholders up to management level, finding out their needs/issues/concerns and reacting to these by leading and coordinating the development of stakeholder engagement plans to support the communication of business information and decisions. Maintain fulfilment relationships and translate discussions between business and fulfilment areas
Business Requirements Identification
Elicit complex business requirements using a variety of methods such as interviews, document analysis, workshops, and workflow analysis to express the requirements in terms of target user roles and goals.
Describe Business Requirements, processes and data in an agreed format and following agreed methods.
Needs Assessment
Uncover emerging issues or needs, identifying potential causes, barriers and key stakeholders as well as related issues.
Analysis of “As Is” and “To Be”
Document complex “as is” and “to be” processes and describe the changes required to migrate to the “to be” capability to record accurately the change required.
Continuous Improvement
Review existing operations in a major area of work and implement innovation processes to generate new ideas and ensure the required continuous improvement outcomes are delivered.
Identify shortcomings in processes, systems and procedures, and develop solutions to problems within an assigned unit or discipline with assistance/ guidance from senior colleagues or Manager.
Business Case
Manage the delivery of feasibility and assessment work for proposed and current projects to contribute to the development and continuous review of business cases.
Influence discussion about solutions, projects and initiatives based on analysis of relevant business domains.
Personal Capability Building
Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation where relevant to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
Education
Business Analysis, Grade 12 or SAQA Accredited Equivalent (essential)
Experience
3 – 6 years BA experience (Essential); 3 years general experience with exposure to complex systems and procedures (Essential) Experience working in an Agile environment using Agile principles and methodologies (Essential).
Method of Application
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The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspected fraudsters who pose as police officers to swindle unsuspecting traders of their money and cattle at different markets.
The suspects identified as Aliyu Abbas, 35, of Funtua, Katsina; Jibrin Idris, 35, of Gwiwa, Jigawa; Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina; and Abubakar Yahaya, 45, were arrested on April 16, 2025.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the arrest in a statement, said the suspects were found to be in possession of a handcuff, N1.2 million, cut-to-size papers, liquid chemicals for counterfeiting notes, and two mobile phones.
“On 16th April, 2025 at about 3pm, acting on a credible intelligence that a syndicate of four men who specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public in various markets around Niger State were sighted at Izom cattle market, planning to defraud a person after selling his cattle,” the statement read.
“Based on this, Police operatives of Maje Div mobilised to the scene and intercepted one black Mercedes Benz vehicle with Reg. No. KTU 747 HF with the following suspects; Aliyu Abbas 35yrs of Funtua, Katsina, Jibrin Idris 35yrs of Gwiwa, Jigawa, Musa Ya’u of Daura, Katsina and Abubakar Yahaya 45yrs of Daura, Katsina.
“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to being fraudsters and a sum of one million, two hundred thousand naira was recovered from them. Other exhibits include a bunch of cut to size papers, liquid chemicals claimed to be used for counterfeit notes, handcuff, and two phones.
“Some victims identified the syndicate as fraudsters who had swindled them of their money and cattle at different markets. It was also said that at times, they do present themselves as policemen to their victims or counterfeit notes producer and other means of defrauding people.
“The suspects are under further investigation and will be charged to court after investigations.”
Upon its announcement, the PlayStation 5 Pro was mocked harshly on the internet for its exorbitant $700 price and the minor improvements it brought over the original console. However, in a recent teardown, Sony has revealed that the PS5 Pro fixes a major issue that affected some PS5 owners.
Sony recently shared a blog post, giving fans a closer look at the insides of the PS5 Pro console. The company showcased how they have improved the liquid metal cooling design on the console, preventing it from overheating or the liquid cooling die from seeping out of the device if you use it vertically.
New grooved design for liquid cooling in the PS5 Pro (Image Credit: Sony)
This hardware problem has been reported by many repair shop owners ever since the release of the PS5. They claim that the liquid metal can sometimes spill onto the APU of the system. This can lead to hardware problems later on as the metal oxidizes. It later turned out that it isn’t as widespread a problem as it was thought to be.
Shinya Tsuchida, PS5 Pro’s lead mechanical designer, mentioned in the blog post, ” We made some improvements by adding fine grooves where the liquid metal is applied, so that the cooling effect is more stable.” The breakdown further discussed how the console packs a bigger fan this time around. It features redesigned blades and features smaller blades in between for more effective cooling.
Left side: PS5 Pro Fan/ Right side: PS5 Fan (Image Credit: Sony)
From what we have heard from around the internet, the console does run much cooler than its base release. And pushes more stable performance over long-term playthroughs. That said, we would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Would you upgrade to the PS5 Pro just for better thermals, and which orientation do you keep your PS5 in? Let us know in the comments below.
Anshuman Jain
As a tech journalist, I dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape with a particular interest for smartphones, apps, and gaming. With a passion for sharing insights, my articles blend expertise with a friendly touch—think of me as your friendly neighborhood tech support.
The wait is nearly over. POCO is gearing up to launch the F7 globally, hot on the heels of its Chinese counterpart, the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, which officially debuts on April 24, 2025. And if early reports are to be believed, we’re looking at a device that doesn’t just flirt with flagship territory — it full-on crashes the party. For years now, POCO has been walking a fine line between performance and price, especially with its F-series. And the F7? It looks ready to double down on that promise, offering hardware that’s impressive on paper and — if history is any guide — even more so in actual use.
Performance That Punches Above Its Weight
At the heart of the POCO F7 beats Qualcomm’s shiny new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip — the same silicon driving the Turbo 4 Pro. This is no entry-level engine. We’re talking high-efficiency, flagship-grade architecture designed to deliver smooth gaming, lightning-fast app switching, and AI-driven features without the usual thermal issues or power drain.
Essentially, it brings flagship performance into mid-range pricing — and that’s a big deal for users who want speed without selling a kidney.
A Display That Doesn’t Cut Corners (Literally)
Visuals matter, and POCO knows it. The F7 boasts a 6.83-inch flat LTPS panel, pumping out a 1.5K resolution. The bezels? Practically non-existent — just 1.5mm on the sides and top, with a barely-there 1.9mm chin. That’s screen real estate you’ll actually use and enjoy.
For those keeping tabs: this puts it well ahead of many phones in its class, even brushing past some of the more expensive models from the competition in screen-to-body ratio and clarity.
Charging and Battery Life: Built for the Long Haul
Battery anxiety? Not here. While the exact capacity for the global model hasn’t been finalized, insiders suggest something close to 7,000mAh — just a notch under the Turbo 4 Pro’s massive 7,550mAh cell. Even better, the F7 supports 90W fast charging, ensuring that even a quick coffee break could add hours of usage. To put it plainly: this thing is built to last. Expect screen-on time that stretches across an entire day — and then some.
Camera Setup: Simple, Effective, and No Gimmicks
POCO isn’t chasing megapixel madness with the F7, and that’s refreshing. You’ll find a 50MP primary shooter backed by an 8MP ultra-wide. No useless depth sensors or fake macro lenses here — just the essentials done right. While it’s no DSLR replacement, the setup should offer crisp, punchy shots in daylight and respectable performance at night, especially with the image processing improvements expected with the Snapdragon chip.
Design That Feels More Premium Than the Price Tag Suggests
Let’s talk build quality, because this is where the F7 really begins to flex. Crafted from aviation-grade aluminum alloy, the chassis is both elegant and rugged. It’s CNC machined and sandblasted to offer a high-end texture, with durability benchmarks claiming 70kg of bending resistance — a spec usually reserved for much pricier models.
The rear panel gets a Soft Mist glass finish, adding not just to the aesthetic but to grip comfort as well. And if variety’s your thing, expect multiple colorways to hit different style notes. Another welcome addition? A short-throw optical fingerprint sensor built into the screen, paired with an interchangeable light strip — à la POCO X7 Pro — that lets users tweak the color and brightness. Because personal touches matter.
What to Expect from the Global Rollout
Now, the Chinese market gets first dibs on April 24, but the international release isn’t far behind. POCO tends to follow up quickly, and there’s every reason to believe the F7 will be available globally within weeks.
As for the differences between the Chinese and international variants? Minimal. We might see a slight downgrade in battery size, but the core specs — processor, display, camera, and design — are expected to remain intact. That means global users won’t be getting a watered-down version, just a more regionally-optimized one.
Why This Matters
Here’s the thing: the smartphone market is saturated. Every week, there’s a new launch, a new “flagship killer,” a new promise. But POCO has a track record of delivering — and the F7 looks like it’s about to continue that streak.
By packaging top-tier performance, a gorgeous display, premium build, and massive battery life into a device that likely won’t cross the $500 mark, POCO is positioning the F7 as a serious contender. Whether you’re a gamer, a content junkie, or just someone who wants a phone that doesn’t suck, this one’s worth waiting for.
Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.Follow Gizchina.com on Google News for news and updates in the technology sector.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the traditional ruler of the Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, Dr George Oshiapi Egabor, in response to the incessant kidnapping and killings in the domain.
The suspension of the monarch which is indefinite and with immediate effect, was announced on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
The statement which was made available to journalists in Benin, also stated that the secretary of the traditional ruler, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities following a recent incident that led to the death of a chief in the palace of the traditional ruler, John Ikhamate.
“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain,” the statement said.
“The Secretary to Egabor, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a Palace Chief, Late John Ikhamate.
“The suspension of the traditional ruler is indefinite,” it added.
Of more than 1,000 US teens surveyed by the Pew Research Center last year, nearly half say they’ve cut back on their smartphone and social media use amid concerns about technology’s impact on teens’ mental health. (iStock)
By Clare Duffy, CNN
New York (CNN) — The impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being is a growing topic of concern among parents, educators, health care professionals and regulators. And now, nearly half of US teens say social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age — and almost the same proportion say they’re cutting back on social media use.
That’s according to a Pew Research Center report published Tuesday that asked American teens and parents about their attitudes around social media and smartphones. It offers an updated glimpse into how teens view their own social media use, following a separate Pew study from December that found nearly half of US teens say they’re online almost constantly.
The report comes as parents and regulators have called on social media companies to do more to keep young people safe — and prevent them from spending too much time — on their platforms.
Last year, then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy asked Congress to require a label on social media apps warning of risks to young people, similar to those on alcohol and tobacco. Australia also passed a world-first law banning teens under 16 from social media. And in March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a landmark bill requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and share that data with app developers, in a bid to protect teens from accessing age-inappropriate content online.
To conduct the study, Pew surveyed 1,391 US teens ages 13 to 17 and their parents during September and October of last year.
Of the teen respondents, 48% said they think social media has a “mostly negative” effect on people their age, up from 32% when Pew asked the same questions in a different survey in 2022. Just 11% of teens today say they think social media is “mostly positive” for their peers.
But just 14% of teens say social media has a mostly negative impact on themselves, although that figure has jumped from 9% in 2022.
Still, teens are seemingly trying to rein in their own social media use; 45% say they spend too much time on social media, up from 36% in 2022. And 44% of teen respondents said they have cut back on time spent on social media and their smartphones.
“The overuse of social media in our society seems to be the main cause of depression among those in my age group,” a teen boy quoted in the report wrote. “People seem to let themselves be affected by the opinions of people they don’t know, and it wreaks havoc upon people’s states of mind.”
.The report suggests that the effects of social media vary somewhat by gender and race and ethnicity. Teen girls, for example, are slightly more likely than teen boys to say social media has hurt the amount of sleep they get, their productivity, their mental health and their confidence.
Those findings are consistent with researchfrom 2019 that has suggested the link between social media and depression may be stronger in teen girls than boys, and that social media may harm girls’ mental health by increasing their exposure to bullying and decreasing activities that have a positive impact on wellbeing, such as sleep.
In 2021, internal documents from social media giant Meta, made public after a whistleblower disclosure, showed that the company’s research found that Instagram makes “body image issues worse for one in three teen girls.” Meta has since introduced new policies and practices aimed at improving teen safety, including updated AI tools announced Monday designed to catch teens lying about their age on the app.
Girls (48%) are more likely to say they’ve cut back on social media use than boys (40%), according to Tuesday’s report.
General mental wellbeing among teens is a broader concern; 89% of parents and 77% of teens reported being either “somewhat” or “extremely” worried about the issue.
But parents are still more anxious about how social media is impacting their children than the teens themselves, the report suggests. Social media (44%) and technology generally (14%) ranked highest as the one thing parents believed negatively impacted teens’ mental health, whereas only 22% and 8% of teens, respectively, said the same.
“Technology, which is making them more afraid to try things, makes them less creative and makes them less likely to figure out how to solve their own problems, whether relationally or physically,” a mother of a teen said in the survey.
However, it’s not all bad.
Nearly six in 10 teens said social media gives them “a place to show their creative side,” and even more said it helps them stay connected to what’s happening in their friends’ lives.
