Signs Your Inner Child Still Carries Family Trauma

Teen boy in jeans and hoodie sitting on window seat looking sadly out the window

Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation itself? Maybe a friend took longer than usual to text you back, and you immediately assumed they were upset with you. Maybe a teacher gave you feedback on an assignment, and you spent the rest of the day feeling like you had failed. […]

Talking to AI Instead of People: Are Teens Replacing Real Support?

Teen boy sitting on couch with laptop in front of him smiling at the screen

It’s common for teenagers to use AI to help with their homework, as well as for everyday tips and advice. But what happens when a teen feels distressed and turns to an AI chatbot instead of another person for support? Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a regular part of many teens’ lives, including chatbots. While […]

Trapped in Your Feed: How Algorithms May Be Making Teen Mental Health Worse

Teenagers using cell phones after receiving support with California teen digital safety

Have you ever opened TikTok planning to watch one video, only to look up an hour later, wondering where the time went? It could be because of “the algorithm.” Social media platforms are designed to keep people engaged with their site, and a big part of that comes down to algorithms. Algorithms are invisible systems […]

Self-Diagnosing on TikTok: When Mental Health Content Starts Shaping Who You Are

Teen boy looking at cellphone smiling after receiving support with how to use social media to improve teen mental health

Mental health content is everywhere on TikTok, and sometimes the videos feel surprisingly accurate. Creators may describe what it’s like to live with anxiety, trauma, or another mental health condition, and teens may watch and wonder, Do I have this? Social media has made mental health information easier to access, but not all of it […]