Behind every screen is a real person. In this blog, Mia (she/her), a high school junior and founder of Scroll Smart, examines how cyberbullying negatively affects young people’s mental health. She explores how digital spaces have amplified harmful behavior online and shares ways we can disrupt and stop this destructive cycle.

In a world shaped by screens, it may be easy to lose sight of how technology can quietly reshape the way we see ourselves. In this poem, a young writer, Emily, reflects on growing up alongside a phone and the struggle for finding connection and belonging. She invites us to pause, reflect, and reconsider our own relationship with technology, and how to embrace life beyond the screen.

Are you addicted to your phone or certain social media apps? How do we separate a serious concern from a figure of speech? Conversations about tech’s impact on youth mental health are often framed with terms like “addiction,” “digital drugs,” or “trapped.” In this blog, a college student explores how, even while valid concerns about tech addiction are considered,  these bold headlines and labels can deepen stigma and make it harder for youth to reach out for support. The way we talk about it matters just as much as how we use it. Hear from college students about their experiences and why shifting our words from judgement to understanding and support can make all the difference.

With the digital world expanding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking a larger role, it’s getting harder to know what’s real. This Media Literacy Week, our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders are breaking it down with simple ways to spot misinformation, recognize AI fakes, and create content that’s honest and authentic. Discover how we can get back to the basics of what media is for.

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.

After a 6-month long social media detox, Katy reflects on the learnings she gained through this journey. Katy notes the opportunity to experience time away from notifications and the constant hum of information, leading her into a more intentional relationship with social media. Read more here.

This poem delves into a young person’s relationship with social media, using the metaphor of a thief. Dive into this incredibly powerful piece and reflect on your own experience with social media.

Design It For Us, a youth-led coalition fighting for key policy reforms to protect kids, teens, and young adults online, recently announced their Declaration of Digital Rights to share how young people envision a better future with the digital world. Read the full declaration and join us in our commitment to these digital rights.

Big news! Last Tuesday, Meta announced they’re stopping the use of third-party fact-checkers on their platforms. Instead, they will rely on users to rate posts and add context to them. What do you think of this change? Check out what the #GoodforMEdia youth advisors have to say!

Now a days when scrolling through our social media feeds, it can be difficult to pin point misinformation. With the expansion of artificial intelligence platforms, Sophie provides tips & strategies to carefully analyze the content we consume. Read more here.

Are you aware of the environmental impact of AI tools like ChatGPT? Whether you're asking for help with a homework question or proofreading an email, the energy required to generate responses is immense! While the exact impact is hard to measure, researchers estimate the surprising amount of water and power ChatGPT uses. Check out #GoodforMEdia’s youth reactions!

Did you hear? Instagram is rolling out a new feature that lets you reset your content suggestions. Set to launch globally (soon), this update will give young people more control over what they see. Check out what the #GoodforMEdia team thinks about this exciting new feature!

Did you see Australia has approved a social media ban for youth under 16? Set to take effect in 12 months, this decision raises many questions about its implementation and the potential impact on youth privacy and social connections. Read what our #GoodforMEdia youth leaders think about this new law and whether it’s something they’d like to see adopted in the United States.

How often do you find yourself questioning the origins of the content on your feed? In her blog piece, Jessica shares about her journey navigating social media content in the age of AI. She states that there aren't enough tools and guidance for young people growing up alongside emerging AI platforms. Read more here.

When it comes to social media use, Nirupama shares about the drastic need for legislation and protections for young people rooted in care for their wellbeing. She’s taken things into her own hands by creating Offline. Read more here.