I recently had the opportunity to speak with WebPurify for a feature titled “Breaking the Loop: Why Algorithmic Dispersion Is Essential for Safer Feeds.” We explored the increasingly repetitive nature of algorithm-driven content—especially on social media platforms—and its implications for youth. This “algorithmic repetition,” while efficient for engagement, may come at the cost of diversity, Read More

Owning a smart speaker is one thing—but how are these devices used once the novelty wears off? New research, published in the Journal of Children and Media, aimed to start tackling this question. Led by Rebecca Wald (together with Theo Araujo and Annemarie van Oosten), we conducted a survey of 370 Dutch parents with young Read More

This week, I had a chance to speak on the panel “Panic Or Proof? The State of Online Safety Research” at the Family Online Safety Institute European meeting Together with colleagues Sandra Cortesi, Julia Davidson OBE, Pete Etchells, and moderator Stephen Balkam, we explored the current evidence base around online safety—including what we know, what Read More

Yesterday, a group of Dutch doctors and scientists released a public letter calling for a ban on smartphones for children under 14, and a ban on social media until 16. I understand the concern behind this appeal—youth health is a real issue—but this proposed solution is reactionary, not evidence-based, and potentially harmful. Let’s start with Read More

Together with my colleagues Theo Araujo and Laura Boeschoten, NWO has awarded us a new grant for our project entitled RIGHTS – Responsible Implementation of Gathering, Handling, and Treating Sensitive Individual Digital Traces. Normally, you will find that my work focuses on media effects and the psychological processes that predict and explain these effects – Read More

As youth navigate an increasingly algorithmic digital world, concerns about overuse, mental health, and online safety have led to calls for stricter age assurance measures. Yet, common responses—such as depersonalization or outright bans—risk oversimplifying the issue, potentially diminishing both youth agency and their ability to engage with age-appropriate, meaningful content. Instead, in this talk at Read More

I cannot think of a more important time to be discussing and understanding mis- and dis-information. The world is being rocked by its impact, people are struggling to know what is authentic, and the 24-hour digital knowledge economy only exacerbates its push. In response to this, the Department of Communication at the University of Amsterdam Read More

“Success is what you do with your ability. It’s how you use your talent.” – George Allen, Sr. I have been a member of the YouTube Youth & Family Advisory Committee since its inception. (Don’t worry, UvA – it’s registered ancillary work!). It’s important work. I serve as an independent expert, helping to shape and improve Read More

I had a fun opportunity to sit down with the University rector, Peter-Paul Verbeek, to discuss our overlapping areas of research during an episode on his podcast Net Echt. While typically our conversations focus on our visions for education, it was nice to connect in a completely different scholarly way. In the episode of Net Read More