From gaming chat servers to parasocial fan communities, youth online are engaging in experiences that meaningfully extend into offline interests, attachments, and activities. Where and how are children and teens spending their time online, and what is the nature of the cultures and relationships they are forming there?How are these affecting their offline development and sense of self?
Children and Screens held the last #AskTheExperts webinar of the spring 2025 cycle “Growing Up Online: Understanding Youth Internet Trends, Subcultures, and Relationships” on Wednesday, May 21 at 12pm ET via Zoom. A panel of psychologists and experts in online communication and culture shared research and expertise in the specific ways youth are using online spaces for unique and meaningful play, parasocial relationships, identity development, and culture construction- and how parents and caregivers can support them for positive development.
Speakers
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Yalda T. Uhls, PhD
Founder and CEO of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers, University of California, Los AngelesModerator
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Bradley J. Bond, PhD
Professor of Communication, University of San Diego
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Chia-chen Yang, PhD
Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University
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Sara Grimes, PhD
Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy and Full Professor, Communication Studies, McGill University
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Trevor Boffone, PhD
Professor, University of Houston
Resources Mentioned During the Webinar
- The Center for Scholars and Storytellers (Website)
- Ask Yalda: Tech Platform for Research Insights (Website)
- Renegades (Book)
- TikTok Cultures in the United States (Book)
- Screen Deep: "AI's Impact on Children's Social and Cognitive Development" (Podcast Episode)
- Digital Playgrounds (Book)
- Kids Play Tech Lab (Website)
- Child Appropriate Game Design (Website)
- 10 Research-Based Insights to Evolve On-Screen Male Representation (Report)
- AI is more persuasive than humans (Scholarly Article)
A full recording and transcript for this webinar will be made available soon.
Growing Up Online: Understanding Youth Internet Trends, Subcultures, and Relationships
Where and how are children and teens spending their time online, and what is the nature of the cultures and relationships they are forming there? How are these affecting their offline development and sense of self?
Neurodivergent Children and Media Use | Meryl Alper, PhD
Online Safety for Youth
A tip sheet for parents and caregivers
Harmful Social Media Algorithms and Children | Imran Ahmed
Growing Up Lonely? Child Connection and Isolation in the Digital Age
Are today’s children lonelier than past generations? How are digital devices and social media shaping their ability to connect, and what does that mean for their long-term emotional and social well-being?