Areas of Study
Our research primarily focuses on examining the relationship between interactive media technologies and development, particularly on young people’s physical, mental, and social health. To keep pace with the multifaceted, ever-changing media environment, we employ a range of methodologies in our research, and collaborate with other researchers from the field.
Mental Health
We work to shed light on the positive and negative impacts of technology and media use on young people’s mental health, and to harness the power of our insights for positive mental health outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence
We seek to understand how young people use AI and how AI-enabled technologies impact user well-being, and how these evolving technologies can be built with healthy outcomes in mind.
Prosocial Development
We design and test innovative uses of interactive technology to promote young people’s prosocial behaviors, sense of belonging, and social-emotional development.
Gaming
We study the effects of gaming environments on young people’s social, emotional, and mental health, and how these communities can be used to support healthy development.
Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU)
We work to identify the characteristics and risk factors of Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU), and intervention and treatment strategies to promote healthier media habits among youth and their families.
Pulse Surveys
We conduct Digital Wellness Pulse Surveys periodically throughout the year to stay current on topics related to children’s and adolescents’ media and technology use. Surveys focus on asking teens and young adults about a range of topics to help us better understand their perspective on different aspects of the digital environment and the effects of their technology and media use on their health and wellbeing.
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Pulse Survey: Use of Voice Assistants and Generative AI by Children and Families
In this Pulse Survey, we asked parents about their family’s use, and their perceived impact, of Voice Assistants and Generative AI.
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Pulse Survey — Exploring the Nuances of Young People’s Social Media Use and Experiences
In our most recent survey, Exploring the Nuances of Young People’s Social Media Use and Experiences, we asked 1,505 young people between the ages of 15 and 22 about their…
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Adolescent Media Use: Mediation and Online Safety Features
In this survey, Adolescent Media Use: Mediation and Online Safety Features, we asked 1,502 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 about their general media use and its impact…
Research Briefs
In addition to our own research, we rely on the work of other researchers and organizations to gain an understanding of the effects of digital media and technology on young people. Research briefs are one way that we share the relevant findings of a particular study (or research on a specific topic) with our supporters and the general public.
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Safety and Surveillance Software Practices as a Parent in the Digital World
Introduction For many parents, the digital landscape their children are growing up in is vastly different than the one they grew up in. In a recent survey, 66% of parents…
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Children’s Views on Gaming
The Landscape of Gaming for Children and Adolescents Video gaming is an extremely popular pastime for children, adolescents, and young adults. In the U.S., teens and tweens who game are…
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Children & Artificial Intelligence
Introduction & Methods This literature review examines the existing research on artificial intelligence (or, AI) in media and human relations. Although it is used in a variety of contexts and…
Our Team
The Digital Wellness Lab is a mission-driven organization made up of a dynamic and collaborative team of experts and thought leaders. If you are interested in joining our research or administrative team, please email us.