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Endless days filled with mindless scrolling on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become the norm for today’s youth. This scenario is vividly captured in Social Studies, an FX docuseries that documents the lives of teenagers as they navigate a world altered by COVID-19.
Renowned photographer and filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, known for her works such as THIN, The Queen of Versailles, and Generation Wealth, closely followed a varied group of adolescents from Los Angeles. As they cautiously emerged from lockdown, Greenfield examined how each teen coped with the overwhelming sexualization and rampant consumerism prevalent on social media. Some teens posed provocatively to gain likes and shares; others found themselves in unhealthy online relationships or fell victim to peer pressure and comparison culture. Throughout this journey, Greenfield engaged her subjects with challenging questions, often eliciting surprisingly honest responses.
To participate in this series, Greenfield required her cast not only to share their personal stories but also their smartphones. The audience witnesses these teens engaging in scrolling sessions, texting friends, and FaceTiming while parents gradually come to understand that this generation is experiencing adolescence unlike any before it. In an interview with Mashable, Greenfield shared insights from her year-and-a-half experience documenting the lives of 2020s teenagers.
Mashable: What inspired you to create Social Studies?
Lauren Greenfield: The concept originated from my initial project—a book titled Fast Forward: Growing Up in the Shadow of Hollywood. I explored how teenagers were influenced by media back then—primarily cable television and MTV—and how those influences shaped their values around image, celebrity status, and material wealth. With social media’s rise during that period, I noticed these values intensified among young people.
This realization struck me when I asked kids about their aspirations for adulthood; many responded with “rich and famous,” rather than specifying a career path. Additionally, observing my own children—aged 14 and 20 at the time—I felt they belonged to different generations entirely. My older child was more inclined towards reading books while using social media sparingly for communication or study purposes; conversely, my younger child was embroiled in constant screen time battles over TikTok news consumption—removing his access felt akin to severing a limb! During COVID-19 lockdowns when he spent hours online daily,I noticed he became irritable afterward which piqued my curiosity about exploring this new digital landscape further.
I aimed for something distinct; having previously worked as a photographer on my first project made me want to transition into filmmaking for this series—it would be my inaugural venture into episodic storytelling. Previously conducting structured experiments like “Like a Girl“, where participants answered uniform questions allowed me insight into societal issues surrounding gender identity.I envisioned following these kids over approximately 150 days across one-and-a-half years while requiring them all share access not just their stories but also their phones—a crucial aspect despite initial skepticism from some parents who questioned why anyone would do so! However,I believed sharing devices would reveal deeper conflicts regarding life online post-COVID without knowing what outcomes awaited us.
A girl mentioned she pretends she’s engrossed in her phone while walking down hallways just so she can avoid making eye contact.
Diving Deeper: How Did COVID Shape Their Perception of Social Media?
I had already conceptualized this project prior to COVID-19’s onset; however,the pandemic magnified existing trends within social media usage significantly—it unleashed forces that could never be recontained! Initially serving solely as communication channels during isolation periods later evolved into major conduits even after restrictions eased up again.Coupled alongside rising levels anxiety among students,some expressed reluctance returning physically back school environments after becoming accustomed living virtually isolated lifestyles.One student at one filming location remarked about poor Wi-Fi connectivity yet still resorting pretending absorbed within screens merely evade awkward interactions altogether! Thus,a convergence occurred where everything intensified throughout pandemic allowing me conduct more effective observational studies than anticipated!
The Courageous Teens: Were You Surprised by Their Openness?
I felt immense gratitude towards them being candid throughout filming process—that openness formed part integral selection criteria ensuring chemistry existed between us.I strive cultivate intimacy enabling access deeper emotional realms akin experiences documented previously such as those encountered during production work on films like The Queen Of Versailles .In fact,some participants seemed eager share narratives seeking validation through listening ears.As documentary filmmakers,we occupy unique positions outside traditional roles (parental figures or educators) allowing us facilitate honest dialogues without constraints imposed elsewhere.I believe many wanted unburden themselves revealing truths hidden beneath surface layers even prompting revelations amongst parents unaware struggles faced daily by children today!
The group discussions proved beneficial too since participants recognized commonalities amongst peers navigating similar challenges—they exhibited surprising authenticity during exchanges held together away typical settings devoid distractions posed smartphones perhaps reminiscent classic film vibes reminiscent “Breakfast Club.” Notably lacking curated appearances typically associated school environments fostered genuine connections leading richer conversations overall!
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Credit: Lauren Greenfield / Institute via FX
Are School Phone Bans a Step Forward?
The initiative to prohibit phones in educational settings primarily aims to reduce distractions, which I believe is beneficial. However, we must also tackle various issues that arise outside the classroom. By the conclusion of the series, it was heartening yet straightforward for these young individuals to realize that they could engage in meaningful conversations face-to-face. Eliminating phones during school hours may foster deeper connections among students, but it’s merely one aspect of a larger picture.
Lack of Internet Safety Education: A Concern?
I appreciate you highlighting this issue. My younger brother authored Massachusetts’ first media literacy book. Together, we developed an educational curriculum that I’m quite proud of; it has been adopted by the Annenberg Foundation and is available on Learner.org. This comprehensive 250-page guide covers various themes from our series—ranging from bullying and body image to cancel culture—while promoting discussion among students and providing resources for parents as well. The encouraging news is that young people are quite knowledgeable about these topics and eager to engage with them. Unfortunately, being aware does not shield them from harm; this paradox becomes evident throughout our series as these intelligent youths remain susceptible to significant risks.
The applications are engineered for maximum engagement, which often does not align with children’s best interests.
The Role of Parents: Insights from ‘Social Studies’
I am incredibly thankful for the parents involved; their commitment was substantial—not only regarding phone usage but also allowing cameras into their homes repeatedly. Many chose to appear on camera themselves—a decision I hadn’t anticipated initially since I assumed they might be oblivious like Charlie Brown’s teachers. Instead, they emerged as vital contributors who echoed my own feelings of confusion while learning alongside us all. It became clear that while many parents are loving and concerned about their children’s safety—much more so than when I was growing up—they still lack understanding about social media’s complexities.
We observe alarming situations unfolding right under parental noses; for instance, Jordan interacts with strangers online without her mother’s awareness or Ellie sneaking out using Uber rides to visit her boyfriend without informing anyone at home. Even Sydney’s mother expressed trepidation about exploring her daughter’s TikTok content due to its frightening nature. I’ve encountered numerous parents who fear watching our show; however, I encourage them not to shy away—it opens avenues for dialogue between generations where kids can finally express what they’re experiencing amidst overwhelming pressures.
Communication plays a crucial role here since social media serves as a primary means of interaction today—it’s challenging for kids to navigate it alone. In one episode Ivy takes a break from social platforms while another participant admits feeling unsafe on TikTok; some choose temporary exits only to return later due largely because Sophia raises an existential question: “Will we even exist if we’re offline?”
Modeling Healthy Social Media Use: Is It Possible?
I don’t subscribe fully to the notion of healthy screen habits because it places undue responsibility on children regarding self-regulation—a concept akin more closely related addiction scenarios rather than simple moderation advice concerning substances like heroin or opioids would be inappropriate too! These apps are crafted specifically for maximum user engagement—which often contradicts what benefits children most effectively.
If someone grapples with insecurities surrounding their appearance—the algorithm will exploit those vulnerabilities by suggesting harmful behaviors such as dieting tips leading towards eating disorders instead! This exploitation can cause severe damage both physically and emotionally—as depicted through family dynamics unraveling within our narrative framework too! While technology holds immense potential value—and can indeed promote healthy interactions—I firmly believe regulation must come into play concerning tech companies’ responsibilities over algorithm designs alongside published content just like any other publisher would face accountability measures!
Navigating Challenges in Real Time
Sydney aptly referred herself as part of “the guinea pig generation.”
A Key Takeaway From ‘Social Studies’
If viewers glean anything significant after watching ‘Social Studies,’ let it be this: listen actively—to your children! Ultimately discovering one’s voice serves as an antidote against comparison culture prevalent today while simultaneously fostering connections amongst peers—a realization reached by participants throughout our journey together!
‘Social Studies’ is currently available for streaming on FX.
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