DSI welcomes you to this talk from prof. dr. Jessica Taylor Piotrowski from the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) taking place Thursday 20th of March.
speaker
Abstract
Like, Share, Struggle? Helping Youth Navigate the Digital Society
As youth navigate an increasingly algorithmic digital world, concerns about overuse, mental health, and online safety have led to calls for stricter age assurance measures. Yet, common responses—such as depersonalization or outright bans—risk oversimplifying the issue, potentially diminishing both youth agency and their ability to engage with age-appropriate, meaningful content. Instead, this talk explores what responsible age assurance could look like through a digital well-being lens, considering its implications for technology design (incl. algorithmic curation) and user experience. With the rise of frameworks like the Digital Services Act, how can platforms create environments that balance protection and empowerment? And what role do digital competence, parental support, and thoughtful policy play in fostering healthier online experiences for young users?
