It’s hard to stay focused with the constant pings and chimes competing for your attention. One quick check can easily turn into an hour of scrolling, and before you know it, your homework is still waiting. Our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leader, Addya, knows the struggle and is sharing seven simple, effective tips to help you avoid social media distractions and stay on track.

⚠️ Content warning: This post discusses gun violence. 

The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk has led to graphic videos and images spreading widely on social media. In our latest blog, #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders share how they’re processing what they’ve seen and reflect on the impact of these videos on youth mental health and safety online.

Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and stay in the know, but it’s important to use it mindfully. In this blog, Addya, a #GoodforMEdia Youth Leader, shares her journey on Instagram, from enjoying uplifting content and staying connected to experiencing the creeping stress of comparisons and doomscrolling. Learn how Addya is finding balance for her mental health while staying connected.

“Hustler” mentality. “Escaping the Matrix.” “Alpha grind set.” These trends are dominating social media feeds, promising wealth, freedom, and success. But the reality is far less glamorous and often harmful to a young persons’ financial wellbeing and mental health. Read what Grayson, a young person, has to say about his experience navigating this culture, distinguishing the reels from reality, and what we can do to promote a healthier space online.

Heading back to school can bring up a mixture of emotions. From adjusting to a new schedule or settling into a new environment, you may be feeling anxious, excited, or everything in between. Our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders are sharing how they are navigating this time of year. Check out their back-to-school tips for support in navigating these transitions, taking care of your mental health, and embracing what’s ahead.

A lot can change when you head off to college, including new routines, new friendships, and even your relationship with technology. Our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leader, Edward, reflects on his first year of college and how it shifted his digital habits. From navigating club communications to feeling the pressure of being “always online,” Edwards shares how he finds balance between staying connected and protecting his mental well-being.

A recent court ruling raised key questions about artificial intelligence (AI), specifically chatbots, and how responsible these platforms should be, including how far free speech protections should go. In our latest blog, #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders weigh in on what this case could mean for the future of AI regulation and youth safety online.

School’s out and summer break is here! Whether you’re figuring out how to spend your extra free time or feeling a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) as friends head off on big adventures, our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders are here to support you. They’re sharing tips to help you unplug, try new things, and enjoy a summer that feels good, whatever that looks like for you, both on and offline. Check out the blog and get involved with our Digital Days of Summer Challenge!

In this blog, Chloe reflects on the hidden challenges of growing up with social media, highlighting what they wish they knew before using the platforms. From the pressure to fit in to the constant cycle of comparison, Chloe shares the impact these platforms have had on their mental health and what strategies they’ve developed to use social media more intentionally.

AI companion chatbots are becoming increasingly available to minors, despite the growing risks they pose, including sharing harmful advice and fostering unhealthy codependencies. Discover what #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders have to say about how these tools should be handled to ensure the safety of young people.

We know that tech and social media affect youth mental health but simply telling young people to log off and avoid using these platforms is not fair or realistic. That’s why #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders are redefining their relationship with the media, finding ways to protect their wellbeing while staying connected.  Check out their insights and strategies which anyone can try!

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, lawmakers are being pressed to answer a key question:  who should and shouldn’t regulate AI? With the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the possibility of blocking states from regulating AI for the next decade raises major concerns. Our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders weigh in on what its passing could mean for AI innovation, accountability, and online safety.

Have you been trapped by an echo chamber? In this blog, Reese shares her experience with algorithm-driven recommendations and echo chambers and how it impacted her mental health. New to these terms? Dive into this blog post to learn more and discover ways to take back control of your feed.

Schools are beginning to use surveillance technologies on school-issued laptops to flag mental health and safety concerns—but students are speaking out about the harm these tools can cause. From the lack of transparency to invasion of privacy, our #GoodforMEdia youth leaders are asking: Is it really worth it? Read their full thoughts.

In this blog post, Lukas describes the problematic portrayal of masculinity on social media, particularly within fitness culture. Lukas walks us through the standards posed on young men and the solutions he and his peers have developed in order to combat this. Read more here.