Examining Mainstream News Media Narratives on Youth Online Safety
Companion Publication of the 2024 Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing
CSCW Companion 2024
PDF
Despite the growing literature on adolescent online safety, mainstream news media continues to be a large influence in shaping public perceptions of online safety. This paper investigates the narratives surrounding youth online safety as depicted in mainstream news media through a systematic review of 157 news articles.
Abstract:
People form their perspectives and opinions from their experiences and exposure to different information. Despite the growing literature on adolescent online safety, mainstream news media continues to be a large influence in shaping public perceptions of online safety. Understanding these narratives is essential for developing effective strategies to protect young internet users. This paper investigates the narratives surrounding youth online safety as depicted in mainstream news media. Through a systematic review of 157 news articles, we found three prevalent narratives: 1) a focus on negative youth risk experiences and heightened concerns regarding mental health issues, 2) an emphasis on restrictive practices as a primary intervention strategy, and 3) a lack of youth perspectives in online safety narratives. Our work highlights significant trends and discrepancies compared to current academic research on youth online safety. The insights from our findings offer important implications for media representation and the development of effective online safety strategies for youth. Content Warning: This paper discusses sensitive topics, such as emotional trauma, sexual exploitation, self-harm, and other adverse life events of children, which may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised.
Bibtex:
@inproceedings{10.1145/3678884.3681874, author = {Oguine, Ozioma Collins and Anuyah, Oghenemaro and Hughes, Emelia M. and Badillo-Urquiola, Karla}, title = {Examining Mainstream News Media Narratives on Youth Online Safety}, year = {2024}, isbn = {9798400711145}, publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery}, address = {New York, NY, USA}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3678884.3681874}, doi = {10.1145/3678884.3681874}, abstract = {People form their perspectives and opinions from their experiences and exposure to different information. Despite the growing literature on adolescent online safety, mainstream news media continues to be a large influence in shaping public perceptions of online safety. Understanding these narratives is essential for developing effective strategies to protect young internet users. This paper investigates the narratives surrounding youth online safety as depicted in mainstream news media. Through a systematic review of 157 news articles, we found three prevalent narratives: 1) a focus on negative youth risk experiences and heightened concerns regarding mental health issues, 2) an emphasis on restrictive practices as a primary intervention strategy, and 3) a lack of youth perspectives in online safety narratives. Our work highlights significant trends and discrepancies compared to current academic research on youth online safety. The insights from our findings offer important implications for media representation and the development of effective online safety strategies for youth. Content Warning: This paper discusses sensitive topics, such as emotional trauma, sexual exploitation, self-harm, and other adverse life events of children, which may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised.}, booktitle = {Companion Publication of the 2024 Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing}, pages = {349–354}, numpages = {6}, keywords = {adolescent online safety, kids online safety act, kosa, mainstream news media, mental health, social media, youth online safety}, location = {San Jose, Costa Rica}, series = {CSCW Companion '24} }