Angela Patterson Ph.D.

About

Angela Patterson, Ph.D., is a media psychologist and head writer for Springtide Research Institute, which surveys and interviews young people by the thousands each year on topics like mental health, technology, and spirituality. Angela is passionate about media and technology’s impact on young people and their development. A former newspaper reporter, Angela also holds an M.A. in journalism from Indiana University and has almost 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and corporate communications.

Recent Posts

Smartphones and Emotions: The Connection for Young People

Could smartphones be the new teenage security blanket? Learning to self-regulate could be an important key to healthy phone use.

Digital Culture Gives Young People Political Voice

Political memes are popping up all over social media—the way young people interpret the U.S. political landscape is adding vibrant commentary to the election season.

5 Tips for Talking to Latiné Youth About Mental Health

How can adults best support mental health for Latiné youth? Clinical psychologist Dr. Kitzia Moreno-Garza shares the impact of mental health stigma and how adults can help.

Digital Parenting: Rules May Not Be the Answer

What if setting rules and limits for teens' digital media use actually harms more than it helps? New research calls for a more balanced approach.

Could Social Media Positively Affect Black Youth?

Black youth experience racial discrimination at startling rates, and it has significant effects. New research shows social media could provide important protective factors.

Social Media’s Positive Power for Young People

Can social media be more helpful than harmful for youth? New research suggests that understanding patterns and motivations can help promote usage with more positive outcomes.

Can Teens Avoid Developing Problems With Social Media?

Is your teen's social media use becoming a problem? Here's what problematic social media use looks like and what parents and trusted adults can do to help young people bypass it.

I Asked ChatGPT if Teens Should Use It. Here’s What It Said.

When you ask AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT if teens should be using them, it'll tell you yes, but with some considerations.

The Psychological Toll of DEI Bans on Gen Z

Personal Perspective: Proposed DEI bans on college campuses may seem aimed at programs and services, but removal of DEI-related offerings poses emotional and psychological threats.

3 Ways to Combat Digital Stress for the Constantly Connected

Everyone deals with digital stress, but it hits differently for young people. Consider three ways to help Gen Z combat the effects of being constantly connected.