Is Social Media Killing Kids, and Why Do We Keep Getting Suckered By These Things
Over the last decade, widespread concern that social media is harming young people, and the recurring cycles of moral panic that often accompany new technologies, have been growing. But is this really new? Drawing on the available evidence, Dr. Chris Ferguson will explore why alarming narratives about youth and media gain traction, and how they shape public opinion and policy responses, including social media bans. This webinar is a critical reflection on the evidence behind these claims, as well as the broader social and cultural forces that sustain them.
About the Presenter
Dr Christopher Ferguson holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida. He has clinical experience, particularly in working with offender and juvenile justice populations, as well as conducting evaluations for child protective services. In 2013, he was awarded a Distinguished Early Career Professional Award from Division 46 (media psychology and technology) of the American Psychological Association. In 2025, he was awarded the Hand Award for Research, Creative, and Professional Activity at Stetson. In addition to his academic work, he has published a historical mystery novel, Suicide Kings; a gothic horror novel, The Secrets of Grimoire Manor; and the non-fiction books How Madness Shaped History and Catastrophe and Moral Combat. He lives in the Orlando area with his wife and son.
