Positive, Problematic, and Productive Social Media Use
Breaking Down Barriers and Focusing on Potential for How Young People Engage Online
Technology and social media shape nearly every aspect of today's teens' lives. Yet many professionals fall into the trap of focusing solely on what's problematic about social media while ignoring its potential for connection, learning, and growth. This workshop flips the script. Starting with the basics, definitions and a roadmap of platforms young people actually use, we'll build a foundation for understanding teen digital life. From there, you'll explore how technology influences teen relationships and discover the ways social media can strengthen identity development and foster meaningful connections. Through a tech-positive lens, you'll learn practical strategies for engaging with teens about their online worlds in ways that both honor their lived experiences and build digital wellness skills. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by constantly changing platforms or uncertain how to move beyond screen time warnings, you'll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to support young people in navigating social media as the complex tool it is.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify social media platforms commonly used by adolescents and describe key features that influence how teens engage online
Compare tech-negative and tech-positive approaches to adolescent social media use and explain the benefits of a balanced, strengths-based framework
Analyze both positive and problematic aspects of adolescent social media use, including impacts on relationships, identity development, and mental health
Apply at least three strategies for engaging with youth about social media through a tech-positive lens that builds digital literacy and wellness
