Social media and young people: separating facts, fears, and evidence

Young people spend a great deal of time online, while concerns about their mental health and wellbeing are growing. The conclusion can seem obvious: social media must be making young people unhappy.

But is the evidence really that straightforward?

In this talk, Margarita Panayiotou and Neil Humphrey will critically examine one of the most influential claims of our time: that social media is a major cause of poorer mental health and wellbeing among young people.

They will explore how this idea became so powerful. Why are new technologies so often blamed for problems affecting young people? How do news coverage, political debate and compelling personal stories shape public opinion? And what can earlier fears about penny dreadfuls, television and violent video games teach us about today’s social-media debate?

The speakers will then turn to the research. They will consider whether social-media use leads to poorer wellbeing, whether the relationship might work in both directions, and why it matters what young people are doing online, not simply how many hours they spend there. They will also examine claims about “addiction” and ask how confidently existing studies can establish cause and effect.

The discussion is especially timely. The UK is planning restrictions preventing covered social-media services from being offered to under-16s from spring 2027, while statutory guidance on mobile phones now applies to schools in England. What happens when an apparently straightforward explanation becomes the basis for national policy?

This is neither a defence of social-media companies nor a denial of online harm. Young people can encounter bullying, exploitation, damaging content and other genuine risks online. Instead, the event is an invitation to look beyond the headlines and ask:

How certain are we about what social media is doing to young people, and is the evidence strong enough to support the policies being proposed?

Join us for an accessible, evidence-led discussion and make up your own mind.

What you'll discover

How fears about new media have developed throughout history.

Why some claims about social media receive more attention than others.

What research can, and cannot, tell us about cause and effect.

Why different online activities may have different consequences.

How evidence about young people’s digital lives is being translated into policy.

Are we actually as certain as we think we are about what social media is doing to young people?

Come along and make up your own mind.

Practical Information

There will be free refreshments (Drinks Only) available from 6pm, prior to the talk commencing at 6.30pm

Booking is essential. There is a multistorey car park near the venue.

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.