Panel Discussion: “Youth in a Digital Society”

Closing the two-day Youth in a Digital Society conference, this panel discussion brings together Prof. Katharina Scheiter (University of Potsdam), Prof. Vicky Goodyear (University of Birmingham), Prof. Shelley Boulianne (Mount Royal University), and Prof. Kevin Dadaczynski (University of Potsdam) to reflect on key themes and questions emerging from the conference.

The discussion will explore the role of social and digital media in young people’s lives and their implications for both mental health and well-being and sociopolitical outcomes, such as political engagement and participation. How can research contribute to fostering constructive, healthy, and self-regulated media use? Where does the research stand today, and which questions remain unanswered? What role should researchers play in increasingly heated public, political, and media debates about young people’s digital media use? And looking ahead, what is needed from research, education, policy, and regulation to support young people in navigating an evolving digital environment?

Following an initial panel discussion, the session will open into a fishbowl discussion, inviting everyone interested in the topic to join the conversation and contribute their perspectives.