Teens and Technology: The Impact of Social Media on Relationships, Friendships and Families

Social media is everywhere and has transformed how young people communicate. How does the use of digital technology affect young people’s friendships and ability to form and maintain relationships? Amanda Lenhart ’96 shared research on teens, technology and families from her 16 years as a Lead Researcher at the Pew Research Center, and more recently at Data & Society Research Institute. Learn effective practices for your own family and teenagers from parent coach and former teacher Amy Behrens ’91, who helps turn challenges into growth opportunities. These alumni panelists were joined by Johnny McCarthy ’18, Connor McGann ’17 and Morgan McGann ’19E—current Amherst students and children of Susan Francis McCarthy ’86 and Joy McGann ’86—who each provided a student’s perspective on the use of social media at Amherst. Presented by the Classes of 1986, 1991 and 1996.