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 the identities, worldviews, relationships and sexual health of today’s teens. Unfortunately, many professionals fall short when they solely focus on what is problematic about social media use and ignore its positive aspects. This workshop will start from the ground up, beginning with definitions and a roadmap of technology commonly used by young people. From there, we will examine how technology influences teen sexuality and relationships and the ways relationships and identity can be strengthened by technology. Finally, the workshop will focus on how to work with and relate to teens through the lens of technology.

Learning Objectives

As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify social media platforms that are commonly used among adolescents.

• Describe the difference between a tech-negative and tech-positive approach to adolescent social media use. 

• Explain positive and problematic adolescent social media use

• Practice strategies for engaging with youth through a tech-positive framework.