The shifting science of screen time, social media use, and adolescent development 

Candice Odgers, Duke University
Tuesday October 27, 12-1pm
Zoom Link: https/mcgill.zoom.us/j/91589192037

Abstract: Adolescents spend much of their daily lives online, and fears abound that digital technology use, and social media in particular, is harming their social and emotional development. Findings to date do not support causal or robust associations between social media use and adolescents’ development. Instead, prior studies have produced a mix of small positive, negative, and often null associations. The narrative around social media and adolescent development has been negative, but empirical support for the story of increasing deficits, disease, and disconnection is limited. This talk will synthesize findings from our recent review of associations between social media use and adolescent social and emotional well-being and present new findings from our large study of adolescents followed daily via their mobile devices. Recommendations for improving science and practice for adolescents in an increasingly digital and uncertain age will also be provided.

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