Do teens need iPhones or any type of mobile device? Are phones a necessity for a teen's social life? As humans, we tend to lean towards the shiniest newest thing. We just have to have the best iPhone or the best computer. We have started to live our lives through our phones as we try to get the most likes on our social media posts so everyone knows how popular and cool we are. Is this necessary? This one mom doesn't think so. (https://www.theatlantic.com/family/arch … es/597805/) She believes that smartphones suck teens into the endless depths of tik toks and youtube. And they do. The tik tok algorithm is designed to be addicting and any other social media platform sparks a competitive streak over who can have the absolute best summer vacation and post about it to all their followers. As this addiction rises mental health begins to plummet. Smartphone use has been linked to loneliness and depression, anxiety, and stress. (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addi … iction.htm). Smartphones don't always seem to be an amazing thing. They are addictive and cause accidents and death while driving. But based on the research I wonder... are smartphones the problem or are the apps the problems? Smartphones can be as good as they can be bad. Teens can call their parents at any time, order rides from strangers and text friends to ask what the homework is. I think most teenagers want a phone. But if they really need one, it depends on the situation and the person.