Joshua, a member of our 2023-24 Student Advisory Council, sheds light on how teens use technology and what parents and caregivers can do to help them adopt healthy habits.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you with using technology and digital media?
In the morning, I start by scrolling through Instagram and TikTok after getting ready for the day. Once I arrive at, and during school when I have nothing to do, I’m back on Instagram and Tiktok. I also use Instagram for my primary communication so I’m talking to my friends on there as well. However, I use technology all throughout school to complete my work and take notes. Once I get home, I’ll use the same apps and usually have a show or movie on using different streaming apps. My average screen time is around 7 hours a day during the week, with all technology use probably near 12.
What are your favorite platforms/apps and why?
TikTok and Instagram because I am able to post whatever I want and be myself. Instagram allows me to talk and connect with many people and it is my main form of communication. It is also easy to follow things you’re interested in which entertains me.
What are the greatest opportunities you see for teens when it comes to using technology?
You can do quite literally anything with technology. For me, the greatest opportunities are creating connections and finding opportunities to help people succeed. You can find people who like the same things as you or belong to the same communities, a variety of things that bring connection. Additionally, technology allows for so many opportunities with finding jobs, internships, programs, whatever it may to help you get ahead in life. These are the greatest opportunities social media has given me.
What are the greatest challenges you see for teens when it comes to using technology?
The greatest challenges are the effect social media has on our self-esteem and perception of self. It can warp how we view ourselves and can cause depression and anxiety. It can also pressure us to follow societal norms and prevent us from being our true selves.
What are the greatest opportunities you have and challenges you personally face when it comes to managing your technology use?
The greatest opportunity is connecting with others and having the ability to step away from technology when needed. Social media breaks are my favorite because I feel much better after. But challenges include fear of missing out (FOMO). When you see other people or your friends hanging out without you, or wishing you were doing something else, it can be really hard and detrimental to your mental health. A lot of young people don’t know how to overcome this. They can’t manage their technology use because they’ve been on social media for so long.
“When you see other people or your friends hanging out (on social media) without you, or wishing you were doing something else, it can be really hard and detrimental to your mental health.”
What, if anything, do you think parents and caregivers are missing when it comes to understanding how teens use media?
I think they are missing how influential trends can be for younger children. We have elementary school and middle schoolers trying to imitate high schoolers and young adults. Whether it’s clothes, trendy items like Stanley cups, or behaviors, young kids imitate us because they think it’s cool. Apps like Tiktok with messed up algorithms are showing kids these trends and it is maturing them when they shouldn’t be.
“I think parents are missing how influential trends can be for younger children. We have elementary school and middle schoolers trying to imitate high schoolers and young adults.”
What guidance or advice do you have for parents and other caregivers to help teens to build and maintain healthy behaviors around digital media and technology?
Parents with kids younger than 10-13 need to understand the influence and attempt to restrict it. Additionally, this is a time where kids are starting to develop their addiction to social media. A great way to reduce this is having screen time restrictions. Unfortunately, you have to be strict with this because it is how I learned. I was addicted to my phone and social media, but once my guardians implemented strict rules and punished me when I broke them; I finally learned to listen and developed healthier behavior surrounding digital media and technology.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It is scary how misinformation and social media has become a source of truth for many people. It can be so easy to fall into a trap of misinformation whether it’s misleading or baits you. Don’t always trust social media because it is warped. However, there are many biased news sources that I trusted and have been baited by. So it is best to thoroughly search for the truth and sometimes social media can be that outlet, but you have to be careful.
Joshua is a member of the 2023-24 Digital Wellness Lab’s Student Advisory Council. He is a high school senior in Billerica, Massachusetts.