Gaming, gambling, and pornography have long been part of adolescent life, but digital technology has transformed young people’s access to each of them. Smartphones and other connected devices have made these experiences more private, persistent, personalized, and available on demand. At the same time, the boundaries between them are increasingly blurred, as games incorporate gambling-like mechanics, social media increased access to soft- and hard- core pornography, and platforms compete to capture and hold users’ attention.
We study how these technologies affect children and adolescents at different stages of development. When does ordinary use become problematic? Which young people are most vulnerable to compulsive or addictive patterns of use? How do specific product features affect attention, learning, mental health, relationships, and sexual development?
Our goal is to build a clearer evidence base on both the prevalence and consequences of these experiences, identify the features and patterns of use that pose the greatest risks, and inform policies and product standards that better protect young people.
