Authored by Taanvi
Member of Digital Wellness Lab 2024-25 Student Advisory Council
What does a “day in the life” look like for you with using technology and digital media?
Technology plays a major role in my daily life, whether for school, advocacy work, or relaxation.
In the morning, the first thing I do is check my emails and the weather to get a sense of the day ahead. At school, I use my computer for most of my seven class periods, whether it’s taking notes, conducting research, or submitting assignments. During breaks, I usually check my emails, scroll through Instagram for a quick mental reset, and check WhatsApp to stay connected with my family and friends.
After school, my schedule is packed with meetings, often with youth organizations or professionals in the mental health space. I collaborate with groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to advance my initiatives—including my short films, books, nonprofit Uplift Teens Today, and Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools (the digital platform I recently created to support student wellbeing).
When it’s time for homework, technology is essential. I use Khan Academy, Quizlet, and YouTube to study and break down challenging concepts. For downtime, I unwind by watching YouTube—especially art and ceramics videos—or watching movies with my family.
Technology helps me stay balanced—it allows me to manage my work, stay connected, and take breaks when needed. While I try to use it productively, I also recognize when I’m procrastinating. When that happens, I refocus on my to-do list but also allow myself to take mindful breaks.
What are your favorite platforms/apps and why?
My online presence reflects my passions and my commitment to connection and impact.
- Instagram: I get to be myself, sharing visually compelling posts that spark conversations about mental health, my journey as an international bestselling author, and my work as a social entrepreneur. It’s where I connect with others on both a personal and advocacy level, sharing my experiences and inspiring people to share their own stories—creating change and making others feel less alone.
- YouTube: Through videos, I dive deeper into mental health, writing, and social impact, reflecting on my own journey while learning from the incredible experiences and insights shared by others in the community. It’s a space for both sharing and growth—a platform where I can connect, inspire, and learn.
- YouTube Shorts: I love watching videos especially from artists—seeing people create ceramics and other forms of art is so inspiring. YouTube Shorts does an incredible job of spotlighting artists’ work and building a creative, supportive community.
What are the greatest opportunities you see for teens when it comes to using technology?
As a teen mental health advocate, my personal journey has shaped how I see the role of technology in supporting mental wellbeing. Moving from Ireland to the US at age nine, I often felt isolated and struggled to belong. But this experience also sparked my passion to help others, and I believe technology can bridge those gaps, offering powerful opportunities to connect, share, and heal. One of the greatest benefits of technology is accessibility. When I faced challenges, I didn’t have resources readily available. Now, teens have mental health support at their fingertips through apps, websites, and hotlines. Whether it’s for someone struggling in a rural community or someone dealing with stigma, tech can connect teens with vital help and resources.
Beyond direct support, technology empowers teens to manage their mental well-being. Tools like task management apps, reminders, and mindfulness apps allow for healthier digital habits. It’s about using social media intentionally—curating uplifting accounts, connecting with supportive peers, and even creating a space for positive self-expression. This belief in technology’s power to bring change led me to create Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools. Nexus is a free platform offering teens resources, peer stories, expert advice, and coping strategies. Just like how I found strength in sharing my story, Nexus gives teens the opportunity to help others while helping themselves, creating a space for empowerment and growth.
Social media has a unique ability to connect people, offering a sense of belonging that’s especially important in the aftermath of COVID. For me, social media helps bridge the distance between me and my grandparents, who live in India. It lets me preserve our bond and feel like I have my family I can talk to whenever I need. Technology has the power to transform isolation into connection, helping us build communities where we can support each other.
What are the greatest challenges you see for teens when it comes to using technology?
Social media definitely brings its own set of challenges for teens. There’s the constant comparison, the pressure to look or be a certain way, and the rise of body image issues. It can sometimes feel like there’s always something to measure up to, and that can take a toll on mental health. Things like cyberbullying, the fear of missing out, or even just the endless stream of negative content can make it feel like the digital world is more harmful than helpful.
Beyond these common struggles, I also see the challenges coming from younger kids getting devices earlier and earlier. I got my first phone when I was nine, mostly to stay in touch with my parents when I walked home from school. It was hard for me to learn how to set limits, and since my sister was navigating the world of technology and my parents started explaining things to her, that was the only way I knew the basics of privacy and data protection. But a lot of youth today just get handed a device with no guidance on how to use it safely. They don’t necessarily know what to share, how to protect themselves, or how to create healthy boundaries in the digital world.
Then, there’s the issue of AI and fake news. With so much misinformation out there, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise and feel confused or even misled. Learning how to spot what’s true and what’s fake is a big challenge, and it’s something that’s often overlooked. On top of that, we’re constantly trying to balance staying safe online while also using technology in a way that helps us grow and not fall into unhealthy habits. And another challenge is the way scrolling through social media affects our brains. It might seem harmless, but the constant stimulation can actually shrink our brains over time, making it harder to focus. For students, that means paying attention in school becomes more difficult, leading to things like attention spasms and struggles with concentration. The brain is trained to expect constant bursts of information, and when we’re sitting in class trying to absorb longer, more complex ideas, it feels harder to stay engaged.
I think what we need most is to start teaching kids digital literacy—the skills to navigate the digital world with awareness, responsibility, and confidence. It’s not just about knowing how to scroll through Instagram or use TikTok; it’s about understanding how to protect our privacy, be mindful of our mental health, and make the most of technology as a tool to help us, rather than something that harms us. We need to know how to be both smart and kind in the digital space, especially when the pressures feel overwhelming.
What are the greatest opportunities you have and challenges you personally face when it comes to managing your technology use?
One of the greatest opportunities I have is using my social media platforms, like Instagram and YouTube, to spread the message that no teen should ever feel alone in their struggles. I love that I can share simple but powerful strategies—like coping techniques, mindfulness practices, or affirmations—that can make a real difference in mental health in less than a minute. It feels amazing knowing that my voice can help someone who might be feeling isolated or unsure.
But it’s not always easy. The pressure to stay connected is real, and sometimes I feel like I need to always be active—checking stories, replying to messages, or keeping up with everything happening around me. It can leave me feeling like my life isn’t as exciting as others’, and that comparison can be draining. Sometimes, I get stuck in a loop of scrolling through reels, and before I know it, hours have passed. It’s tough to break out of that cycle and feel motivated to do homework or other stuff, especially when it feels like everyone else is doing something fun or exciting. Finding that balance—using technology for good, without letting it drain me—is something I’m still working on.
What would you want to see changed or redesigned for technology and/or media to be healthier for teens?
I think one of the biggest changes needed is more focus on safety and mental health when it comes to technology. Right now, it feels like there’s not enough emphasis on teaching teens how to use tech in a balanced and healthy way, especially when it comes to privacy. I’d love to see social media platforms make it easier to stay safe, with clearer safety features, like age-appropriate filters, and gentle reminders to stay mindful of our well-being online.
One idea I have is to create a universal online safety assistant—like an AI-powered empathy coach that’s with you while you’re online. This would help analyze what’s being shared, giving real-time feedback that encourages kindness, respect, and empathy when interacting with others. Imagine if every comment or message prompted positive and constructive dialogue. It could really transform the way we connect with each other and cut down on things like cyberbullying.
On top of that, this tool could also scan websites for safety and trustworthiness, especially for younger users, and block harmful content before it even gets to them. It would guide us to make safer choices online, while reminding us to look after our mental health too. If we had more of these features built into the tech we use every day, I think we could make the internet a much safer and more supportive place for everyone.
What, if anything, do you think parents and caregivers are missing when it comes to understanding how teens use media?
I think one of the biggest things parents overlook is how important it is to approach their teen’s media use with understanding and flexibility. Every teen is different, and what works for one may not work for another, especially as their needs evolve. Trying to enforce strict, one-size-fits-all rules can create tension and prevent open conversations. That’s where frameworks like The 5 C’s of Social Media Use come in. I truly believe they can help parents connect better with their teens, making it easier to navigate the digital world together:
- Child: Understand your teen’s age and maturity level. What’s appropriate for one teen may not be for another.
- Content: Have open, judgment-free discussions about the kind of content they’re engaging with online. Is it healthy and enriching, or negative and draining?
- Calm: Stay calm and avoid reacting in frustration if you disagree with something they’re doing online. Communication is key.
- Crowding Out: Be mindful of how much time is spent on screens and whether it’s displacing important activities like schoolwork, socializing, or physical exercise.
- Communication: Foster an environment where honest conversations about online safety, cyberbullying, and responsible social media use can happen naturally.
I’m proud to be a part of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Youth Advisory Panel, where I help share and amplify this message.
It is really important to give parents grace. Technology is something they didn’t have to face in their own teenage years, and most weren’t taught how to manage it by their parents. The best place to start is simply having a conversation, and being open to learning!
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?
My advice would be to keep the conversation about their digital world open and ongoing, rather than just focusing on strict rules or boundaries.
- Encourage your teen to talk to you about their online experiences, especially if they’re facing things like cyberbullying or negativity. It’s important to stay involved but also give them space to navigate their digital life on their own.
- Teach them how to think critically about content, whether it’s from influencers, ads, or news. And don’t forget that kids learn by watching us—if you show healthy media habits, they’re more likely to follow your lead.
- Finally, help them understand when it is time to step away from the screen. Work with them to set healthy limits around screen time that support their mental and physical wellbeing. Asking them what feels like a good balance gives them a sense of control and ownership over their own habits.
Last year I had the opportunity to share my message on FOX and CBS for National Social Media Day. I discussed how to turn social media struggles into smart surfing for teens. It was amazing to share with the audience how we can all take steps to make social media a safer and more positive space, and I hope to keep expanding these conversations.
Taanvi is a member of the Digital Wellness Lab’s 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council. She is a high school sophomore in Woodinville, Washington.
The author of this article is a young person who has been engaging with the Digital Wellness Lab about topics of young people’s safety and wellbeing within digital environments. Here at the Lab, we welcome different viewpoints and perspectives. However, the opinions and ideas expressed here do not necessarily represent the views, research, or recommendations of the Digital Wellness Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital, or affiliates.