Cell Phone Display

More than ever, East students are using various apps to connect with each other and have fun. Presented here is an example of a phone screen with some of the most common apps students use. Click on an icon to learn more about what it is and why students use it.

Typical Phone Usage of an East Student

Source: Survey of U.S. teens conducted Sept. 26-Oct 23 2023, “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2023” PEW Research Center

Discord is a communication app which is used by 28% of students. Users can create servers based around a certain topic or interest, and can invite friends or anyone who has the link. These servers can have channels, or subtopics, where anyone can message in the server. There are also features for group chats, direct messaging, and voice chats. Many Discord servers exist here East, including for the grade levels, various clubs, classes, and study groups.

Discord

Snapchat

Snapchat is an app used by 60% of teens. Part of its appeal comes from the feature that photos and messages disappear once viewed, although many argue that they are never truly gone. Snapchat also has its own videosharing platform to rival other social media apps, but its main appeal comes from its casual approach to messaging.

Whatsapp is used by 21% of teens. It is a communication app, where users can send direct messages, or create group chats with up to 1024 members. One perk it has compared to regular texting is that it is compatible with all major phone companies, making it more accessible for people in group chats.

Whatsapp

Tiktok is a videosharing app which 63% of teenagers use regularly. Anyone can create their own shortform videos featuring viral dances, songs, or whatever unique talents or personalities they have. There is a possibility for anyone could go viral on the app, which adds to its popularity. Many East students have their own TikTok profiles with hundreds or thousands of followers.

TikTok

Instagram is a photo sharing app, which is used by 59% of teens. Users can post photos of their food, family, friends, vacation photos, or anything at all. The app also has a videosharing feature, Reels, which rivals TikTok and Youtube Shorts. At East, there are instagram profiles for the different grade levels, SGA, Eastside, and many more clubs and social groups.

Instagram

Youtube is the oldest app featured here, founded nearly 20 years ago. However, it remains one of the most popular apps today, with 93% of teens found to use it on a regular basis. Youtube allows creators to post their own videos or livestreams, and like, comment, and share with others. It is easily the most popular streaming platform, and many different clubs at East such as Eastside, and academic groups have their own Youtube channels.

YouTube