Project Period: 2023-2024
Grounded in a review of the literature, the team employed a mixed methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and art-based methodologies. This combination provided holistic insights into the impact of prolonged social media use on girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color. Under the guidance of Dr. Shena Sanchez (University of Alabama), the team developed a robust understanding of how art-based research enhances qualitative data collection and analysis, allowing for deeper thematic exploration.
To make the research process participatory and recovery-focused, Research Leads incorporated art-based activities into their focus groups:
- Genisus Holland (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia – DMV area): Facilitated a virtual collaging activity.
- Monique Kitnikone (Hawaii): Led a beading activity.
- Chloe Williams (California): Hosted painting sessions.
These activities created a supportive and creative environment for participants to engage with the study themes.
Focus Group Composition
The focus groups included participants aged 13–25, representing multiracial and multicultural identities. Participants were girls, women, and gender-expansive young people of color across three diverse locations: the DMV area, Hawaii, and California. Each session utilized a questionnaire to guide discussions and ensure consistency in data collection.
This innovative and youth-centered research process not only provided valuable insights but also uplifted the voices of those most impacted by social media’s prolonged use, offering an empowering and inclusive framework for future studies.
