What youth told us this fall
This fall, 200 young people tested the MDR Resource Hub + Innovation Lab and practiced the T.H.I.N.K. method while engaging on social media.
Across our student surveys, roughly 86% of youth report positive changes in how they navigate social media. Many reported reduced anxiety, improved academic focus, slowing down belief formation, thinking more critically before posting or sharing, stronger fact-checking habits, and increased emotional awareness before and after scrolling.
They are also taking more breaks from social media. Some intentionally decreased screen time during difficult life moments. They reported feeling “calmer,” “more mindful,” “less reactive,” “more focused,” and “less overwhelmed."
We see this as a strong indicator of growing confidence and digital resilience in young people.
The MDR Resource Hub is a respectful, low-conflict environment where disagreement does not feel threatening. Youth called it “a safe space,” “welcoming,” “open-minded,” and “less polarized.”
“Feels like social media before polarization.”
“I feel understood.”
Your tax-deductible donation helps us integrate youth feedback, improve the platform, and bring these supports to more classrooms across the country.
