Is AI impacting your educational experience? Edward, a second-year college student, reflects on how generative AI is transforming what learning looks like for him. From how his professors are responding, to what it means to produce work that is truly his own, learn how he is finding the balance between embracing the tool and protecting his learning process.

We are three months into 2026, and the pace of tech is moving faster than ever. From new AI tools to evolving social media platforms, technology continues to shape how we connect, learn, and experience the world around us. In this blog, GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders share what they think are the best and worst things about tech so far this year, highlighting the positive impact and challenges that come with it.

Group chats help us stay connected with friends, classmates, family members, and communities. But these conversations over text can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or pressure. Developed by GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders, these tips can help you navigate group chats in ways that support respectful communication and your wellbeing.

Scrolling before bed has become a common nighttime habit for young people. What may start as a quick check of notifications or a few videos can easily turn into an hour of doomscrolling, and before you know it, you’re having trouble falling asleep. Our GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders describe why this happens and offer suggestions for breaking the cycle and creating a better routine that helps you get the Zzzs you need.

From filters and likes to endless scrolling, the platforms we use shape how we see ourselves, what we value, and the choices we make. Drawing from real conversations with young people in India, this blog explores how social media influences identity, mental health, and behavior. Read the blog to better understand what growing up online feels like for young people today, and how we can create a healthier balance with the digital world that prioritizes young people’s well-being.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Snapchat’s My AI are becoming part of everyday life for young people. Created by our #GoodforMEdia Youth Leaders, this guide offers practical tips to help youth understand how AI works, recognize its limits, and use it in ways that support creativity, connection, and mental health.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Social media is a powerful tool for gathering information—but how beneficial is it, really? In this video, Kareem shares his concerns about the overwhelming availability of information today, much of which isn’t fact-checked. Discover how he navigates misinformation and encourages his peers to do the same.

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.