As a kid / teen who is struggling as they do not fit in, finding people around your age who are a similar shape gives you friends.
Finding adults of a similar shape shows you possibility models - it gives you a future.
Both are vital.
This may be a very 'rural closeted neurodivergent queer kid' perspective, but forums (I am older than social media) were a lifeline to me as a teen.
Minoritised young folk being able to find and interact with peers *and adults* sharing their characteristics is vital for mental health & wellbeing.
I'm in my 20s. I grew up with social media. Without that and video games, I would have been so completely isolated. We should be making the world safer for kids, not trying to ban them from it.