Does social media contribute to health disparities among youth? This is what Professor Esther Rozendaal (Movez Lab) will investigate over the next two years in collaboration with a fully Rotterdam-based consortium. They have received a grant of €800,000 for this research project under the National Science Agenda (NWA) call: Vulnerability and Resilience in an Online Society
The influence of social media on youth
Professor Rozendaal explains that social media can affect young people's health in various ways. "This happens, for example, when online advertisers target vulnerable groups or organisations spread misinformation among certain groups." To test these suspicions, the consortium will thoroughly analyse the social media channels used by young people. The aim is to identify potential information bubbles and investigate whether these bubbles contribute to social and health inequality among young people.
Interventions for digital resilience
In addition to analysing social media accounts, the research will also focus on possible interventions that can help young people become more resilient in the online world. Movez Lab is leading this line of research. "The goal is to design hyperlocal interventions in co-creation with Rotterdam youth, where they use their own ideas, creativity, and social influence to enhance the digital resilience of their peers."
Rotterdam partners
The consortium consists of various Rotterdam partners, including Erasmus MC (principal applicant), Erasmus School of Law, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Justice Adda, Rathenau Institute, Perron 14, academic workplace CEPHIR, and New Momentum.
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Marjolein Kooistra, communications ESSB | 06 83676038 | kooistra@essb.nl