Harvard Graduate School of Education releases study on teens and digital stress

Study could lead to better support of adolescents growing up in the digital world.

A new study published this week by Emily Weinstein, Ed.M. ’14, and Larsen professor of education Robert Selman pinpoints specific digital stressors related to adolescents’ experiences online. The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) researchers analyzed 2,000 stories about “digital dilemmas” posted anonymously by teens to the MTV website Over the Line, and found that the digital stresses that teens typically encountered—mainly texts, e-mails, and social media—fell into one of six categories, including cyber-bullying or being impersonated. The study, titled “Digital Stress: Adolescents’ Personal Accounts,” was published online last month in the journal New Media & Society.

Researchers sorted the stresses into two groups: Type 1 stressors include experiences such as receiving a barrage of personal attacks, being impersonated, or being outed, shamed, or humiliated publicly. Type 2 stressors involve a controlling boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend constantly breaking into one’s social-media accounts to read digital communications with others; feeling smothered by the quantity of digital communications from friends; and feeling pressure to reveal private information.

One example of a Type 2 stressor for adolescents, the researchers pointed out, is sexting. “Our analysis revealed that sexting nude photographs, for example, often begins as a way to signal trust and commitment,” Weinstein said in a press release. “However, the analysis of the anonymous teens’ personal accounts reveals how surprised teens are when these expressions of connection so easily become public.”

“Since we began this new work a year ago,” Weinstein said in the release, “we have been amazed at the desire on the part of parents as well as professionals to not only have this information, but to understand its implications.” Their study, the researchers say, can be used by teens as well, and could lead to better interventions and support for adolescents growing up in an increasingly digital world.

 

You might also like

What of the Humble Pencil?

Review: At the Harvard Art Museums’ new exhibit, drawing takes center stage

Harvard Research Funding Will Resume, Government Signals

Notices of grant reinstatements follow a court ruling, but the Trump administration could still appeal. 

At Harvard College Convocation, an Emphasis on Open-Mindedness

Garber, other leaders sidestep politics but welcome international students.

Most popular

How MAGA Went Mainstream at Harvard

Trump, TikTok, and the pandemic are reshaping Gen Z politics.

Free Speech, the Bomb—and Donald Trump

A Harvard cardiologist on the unlikely alliances that shaped a global movement to prevent nuclear war

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

Explore More From Current Issue

Man splashing water on his face at outdoor fountain beside woman holding cup near stone building.

Why Heat Waves Make You Miserable

Scientists are studying how much heat and humidity the human body can take.

Illustration of college students running under a large red "MAGA" hat while others look on with some skeptisim.

How MAGA Went Mainstream at Harvard

Trump, TikTok, and the pandemic are reshaping Gen Z politics.

Julie Riew, wearing a white dress, playing guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.

Bringing Korean Stories to Life

Composer Julia Riew writes the musicals she needed to see.