Research

What can parents and caregivers do to equip youth with the skills and protections needed to keep themselves safe online?

How much and how easily are youth accessing sexual content online? How does what they view shape their perception of “normal” in romantic and sexual relationships? Is the increasing prevalence of AI playing a role?

How does digital media use affect early child development and mental health? How should care providers approach technology use in order to protect and promote mental health in young children (ages 0-5)?

How do hours spent daily on digital media affect children’s attention spans, multitasking skills, and cognitive functions? How are digital platforms affecting how youth interact with the real world?

Video gaming has become a near-universal activity with children. Which features in popular video games can promote (or hinder) their cognitive development and mental health?

What should parents and caregivers know about vulnerability to social contagion—and how is it being supercharged by the large volume of digital content and social media algorithms?

What should parents and caregivers know about the unique risks and opportunities for neurodivergent youth when introducing and monitoring the use of digital media?

Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT are changing the nature of online communications, work, creativity, and learning. What are the impacts to children’s social and cognitive development in this new, turbocharged Internet?

What can families do about the growing influence of algorithmically-delivered content on youth’s development, preferences, and minds?

What are the risks and opportunities for forming a positive and healthy sense of self in a hyper-connected age?