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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Platform Paradox
- Social media's impact on youth is complex and paradoxical.
- Deterministic framings of social media as solely good or bad are inaccurate.
Mental Health Online
- Young people use social media to discuss mental health, finding support but also encountering potentially harmful content.
- Platforms' algorithms can exacerbate this by showing users more of what they engage with, creating echo chambers.
Research Methods & Ethics
- Gerrard used diverse methods like interviews, workshops, and digital methods in her research, prioritizing ethical representation.
- She aimed to build trust with participants, acknowledging her own social media use.