For teens of color, social media isn’t just about selfies

Professor Dominique Skye McDaniel’s study adds to a growing body of research that has found young people of color can bring about change when they learn to use digital tools to explore social issues and use those tools to stand up for their beliefs. (stock.adobe.com)

For some teens on social media, TikTok and Twitter aren’t all about selfies or the latest craze in online “challenges.” Some teens are using social media to advocate for social justice.

When it comes to social media use among young people, parents often focus on potential harm instead of the positive ways that young people in general — and young people of color in particular — are using social media.