New Books in Critical Theory Ysabel Gerrard, "The Kids Are Online: Confronting the Myths and Realities of Young Digital Life" (U California Press, 2025)
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Apr 13, 2025 Ysabel Gerrard, a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield, dives into the complexities of young people's online lives. She debunks prevalent myths surrounding digital interactions, highlighting the 'platform paradox' that presents both risks and rewards. The discussion reveals how anonymity plays a dual role in youth behavior on apps, while also unpacking issues of identity, body image, and mental health. Gerrard emphasizes the importance of guiding young users through this intricate digital landscape for healthier engagement.
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Paradox of Youth Social Media Use
- Social media use by young people is full of paradoxes, not just good or bad effects.
- Young users experience risk and benefit simultaneously, challenging deterministic views of social media impact.
Mental Health Content's Double-Edged Sword
- Social media algorithms create tailored feeds that can trap users in reinforcing mental health content.
- The platforms show more of what a user engages with, which can be both supportive and triggering simultaneously.
Building Trust Through Shared Experience
- Ysabel Gerrard carefully built trust with young people, using her own social media experience for rapport.
- She approached research ethics deeply, ensuring conversations were honest, rigorous, and respectful.