New Books in Communications
Ysabel Gerrard, "The Kids Are Online: Confronting the Myths and Realities of Young Digital Life" (U California Press, 2025)
Apr 14, 2025
Ysabel Gerrard, a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield, delves into the complex world of young people's online lives. She challenges common myths about social media, revealing both its risks and benefits. The conversation touches on the ethical responsibilities of researchers, the impact of digital photo editing on body image, and the critical views teenagers have about beauty standards. Gerrard also discusses the need for nuanced approaches in understanding digital interactions, including the rise of meme culture.
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the paradoxes of youth social media use, revealing how it can simultaneously foster positive mental health discussions and expose users to harmful content.
- Innovative and ethical research methods, such as interviews and creative workshops, are essential for capturing the complex digital experiences of young people.
Deep dives
Understanding Young People's Digital Lives
The digital lives of young people are complex and multifaceted, often affected by both social media usage and societal narratives surrounding it. A pivotal aspect discussed is the idea of paradoxes in the relationship between youth and social media, challenging the oversimplified notions of social media as strictly beneficial or harmful. As an example, young people's experiences reveal that social media can simultaneously provide a platform for positive mental health discussions while also exposing them to distressing content. This intricate interaction underscores the necessity for a nuanced understanding of how digital interactions shape youth experiences.
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