Verified by Psychology Today

Young People Decoded

Understanding America’s newest generations

Parenting
Digital Parenting: Rules May Not Be the Answer

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on April 4, 2024

What if setting rules and limits for teens' digital media use actually harms more than it helps? New research calls for a more balanced approach.

What if setting rules and limits for teens' digital media use actually harms more than it helps? New research calls for a more balanced approach.

Social Media
Could Social Media Positively Affect Black Youth?

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on February 19, 2024

Black youth experience racial discrimination at startling rates, and it has significant effects. New research shows social media could provide important protective factors.

Black youth experience racial discrimination at startling rates, and it has significant effects. New research shows social media could provide important protective factors.

Social Media
Social Media’s Positive Power for Young People

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on November 15, 2023

Can social media be more helpful than harmful for youth? New research suggests that understanding patterns and motivations can help promote usage with more positive outcomes.

Can social media be more helpful than harmful for youth? New research suggests that understanding patterns and motivations can help promote usage with more positive outcomes.

Adolescence
Can Teens Avoid Developing Problems With Social Media?

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on August 14, 2023

Is your teen's social media use becoming a problem? Here's what problematic social media use looks like and what parents and trusted adults can do to help young people bypass it.

Is your teen's social media use becoming a problem? Here's what problematic social media use looks like and what parents and trusted adults can do to help young people bypass it.

The author (center in white) with four of her line sisters on Dec. 5, 1999 - the day after they were initiated into DST.
Identity
The Psychological Toll of DEI Bans on Gen Z

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on March 17, 2023

Personal Perspective: Proposed DEI bans on college campuses may seem aimed at programs and services, but removal of DEI-related offerings poses emotional and psychological threats.

Personal Perspective: Proposed DEI bans on college campuses may seem aimed at programs and services, but removal of DEI-related offerings poses emotional and psychological threats.

Politics
3 Ways to Talk With Gen Z About Politics

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on November 10, 2022

Gen Z has officially entered the political sphere. Here's how adults can have meaningful political conversations with Gen Z without divisive and dismissive discourse.

Gen Z has officially entered the political sphere. Here's how adults can have meaningful political conversations with Gen Z without divisive and dismissive discourse.

Career
What Gen Z Can Teach Us About Work

Angela Patterson Ph.D. on October 6, 2022

Gen Z is often called out for its flexibility and work-life balance demands. But the conditions they insist upon can make for a healthier workplace.

Gen Z is often called out for its flexibility and work-life balance demands. But the conditions they insist upon can make for a healthier workplace.