SpaceTeen

Young people have better ideas than a social media ban

Worldwide, there is growing attention to the use of social media by young people. For example, age limits are set to keep young people out of the platforms. But does prohibiting work in normalized actions? Within SpaceTeen, we look for better designs — or alternatives — for social media: both on and off-screen.

These alternatives are invented by young people and really developed and tested by designers and researchers. The goal is to help young people gain more control in relation to social media. Because young people themselves also indicate that they do not only experience social media positively. In addition to the fact that social media can bring a lot for young people, think of new connections and inspiration, it causes a lack of connection with other young people and a lack of valuable spending time.

Young people are often aware of their high screen time but find it difficult to change that. Although this is usually due to addictive algorithms behind the systems, young people indicate that "it's part of it", and that they "actually have nothing else to do". The use of social media plays a role in finding stimuli and distractions.

A different approach to finding valuable solutions

Within SpaceTeen, co-creation with the target group is central. SpaceTeen tackles this social challenge with value-driven research, practical design interventions and broad collaboration with the business community, civil society organizations and the public sector. Our goal is to help young people and the people around them regain control of their attention and time, while they can continue to participate fully in the digital society. By actively involving young people in the research and design process, we develop interventions that are not only effective, but also in line with what young people themselves find attractive and relevant. In addition, this way of researching and designing is part of the solution: we open the conversation with young people about their own behavior and the influence from outside. Where we were mainly listening in the beginning, we are able to broaden our views and thoughts with the experiences and needs of other young people.

Cooperation between different partners and angles

SpaceTeen is part of the "Ontwerpkracht en Transities" program of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (TKI CLICKNL). Three parties work with their own angle in parallel to the issue. It looks at alternative social media (based on Bright Patterns), building resilience to digital pressure, and physical alternatives for young people beyond the screen (by designing Third Places). In addition, the impact of all interventions and designs is tested through the lens of science. In this way, SpaceTeen makes an impact in three areas: scientific, social, and economic. Scientifically, the project provides new insights into how social media design choices affect the behavior of young people. Socially, SpaceTeen helps young people get a better grip on their social media use and contributes to raising awareness about healthy digital habits. Economically, the project, together with partners from the creative industry, investigates how responsible design can lead to feasible and scalable tools, interventions and digital services that focus on the well-being of young people.