CAVEAT – This article was spawned given what we heard from teens this 2023/2024 school year. Yes, the messages from teens mentioned in this article are anecdotal, but we would argue they are still important for us adults to hear and consider!
In today’s onlife world, where the lines between online and offline are increasingly blurred, technology and social media play an undeniably significant role in the lives of young people. It serves as a space for connection, self-expression, entertainment, and information. However, this onlife world also brings challenges, including exposure to harmful content and the pressures created by algorithms within the attention economy. Despite these challenges, many teens, especially those in grades 8-12, are actively curating their social media feeds to promote healthier and more positive online experiences. This is largely due to past experiences, lessons learned, and effective digital literacy education. As parents, caregivers, and educators, understanding these efforts can help us better support our children as they navigate their onlife world.
Digital literacy education is proving effective in helping young people become increasingly aware of social media’s impact on their mental health and overall well-being. In response, many teens shared with us how they are taking proactive steps to curate their feeds to see more content that helps them thrive. This includes positive content that inspires, educates, and uplifts. They are learning that by selectively following accounts and engaging with content that aligns with their values and interests, teens are creating a more enriching online environment to meet their needs.
For instance, teens have voiced to us that they are choosing to follow motivational speakers, educational channels, or hobby-related pages while unfollowing accounts that promote negativity or unrealistic standards. This conscious curation helps them maintain a healthier mental state and fosters a more supportive and encouraging digital space. However, it is important to acknowledge that some teens, particularly those already at risk offline, expressed concerns to us that this could exacerbate their negative mental wellness online, potentially drawing them into the darker aspects of the internet.
While young people are making strides in curating their online experiences, many acknowledge that it can be challenging to fully control what they see. This difficulty stems from the attention economy driving most social media platforms. These platforms are designed to maximize user engagement and ad revenue, often at the expense of the user’s privacy and well-being. Teens stated that they are increasingly aware of how algorithms prioritize content that generates clicks, likes, and shares, which can sometimes amplify sensational or harmful material.
Youth emphasized to us their recognition of the limitations within this system and expressed a desire for more autonomy over their online experiences. They seek the ability to curate their feeds without constant interference from algorithm-driven suggestions that may not align with their preferences or well-being. At the same time, many shared with us how they have learned to game these algorithms to meet their needs as well. Teen interest in maximizing online privacy is certainly growing, particularly as artificial intelligence is integrated into many popular social media platforms—an emerging concern that teens have highlighted to us.
Teens are not just changing their personal habits – they are also advocating for broader systemic changes. They believe it is crucial for social media companies and legislators to take responsibility for the digital environments they create, including designing platforms with the well-being of all users, especially youth, in mind. Additionally, they have expressed frustration that these same companies and legislators do not involve them in these important discussions.
There is a growing call from teens for social media companies to implement features and policies that prioritize privacy, mental health, and safety. Suggestions we heard from teens include stronger content moderation, more transparent algorithms, and options allowing users greater control over what they see. Additionally, they want legislators to play a greater role in ensuring these companies adhere to standards that protect young users from harmful content and practices.
What about phone bans that are being pushed by adults and some school districts – we heard from teens that they do not believe that phone bans will be effective in addressing the challenges associated with social media and technology use. For one, we heard from teens that they view their phones as essential tools for communication, learning, and socialization. Banning phones outright fails to address the underlying reasons why they are so integral to their daily lives. Teens often use their phones for homework, staying connected with friends and family, and accessing vital information. A blanket ban on phones can be seen as a punitive measure that overlooks these positive aspects and can foster resentment rather than cooperation.
Teens stated to us that they are acutely aware of the complexities of the onlife world. They understand that simply removing access to phones does not address the core issues of digital well-being and responsible use. Many believe that education and awareness are more effective strategies. By learning how to navigate social media responsibly, manage their time, and understand the influence of algorithms, teens can develop healthier habits that are sustainable in the long term. They argue that teaching digital literacy and self-regulation provides them with the skills they need to make informed choices, rather than imposing restrictions that might be circumvented or lead to unintended consequences.
Teens stated that they recognize the importance of personal autonomy and the need to develop their own coping strategies in a technology-driven world. They argue that phone bans can undermine their ability to self-regulate and make responsible decisions independently. Instead of imposing bans, they advocate for a balanced approach where guidance and open communication are emphasized. Teens stated that this approach not only respects their autonomy, but also empowers them to take ownership of their onlife world, fostering a sense of responsibility and maturity that is crucial for their overall development as they move into young adulthood – important message!
When we asked about what parents and caregivers can do to support their efforts to create healthier online environments. There were 3 basic messages we heard:
- Talking to them in a non-judgmental way about their online experiences, the content they encounter, and how it makes them feel without overreacting to what they will share.
- Parents need to educate themselves about technology, social media, algorithms, AI, and other online challenges. Too often, parents and even educators have an incorrect or outdated understanding of what is happening in their onlife world.
- Parents need to demonstrate healthy online habits in their own social media and tech use. They need to walk the walk and talk the talk
By understanding and supporting the proactive steps young people are taking to curate their social media experiences, we can help them navigate their onlife world more safely and positively. Teens have a lot to offer us adults, we adults just need to be willing to listen. Together, we can work towards a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of all users. By fostering open dialogue, educating about digital literacy, modeling healthy online behaviors, and advocating for systemic changes, we can empower our youth to create and maintain healthier online environments. Let’s join our children in this endeavor, recognizing their efforts and amplifying their voices, to ensure a safer and more supportive digital future for everyone.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the tens of thousands of youth we engaged with during the 2023/2024 school year. Their insights and perspectives on what matter most to them in today’s onlife world have been invaluable. These young voices have highlighted the critical issues they face, from online privacy to the mental health impacts of social media. By sharing their experiences and concerns, they have provided us with a deeper understanding of the digital landscape they navigate daily. Their contributions are not only appreciated but essential as we work together to create a safer and more supportive online environment – it also helps in our development of our digital literacy and internet safety programs that we offer.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
