The Digital Ecologies Group at the Lifespan Institute is dedicated to understanding how digital technologies—such as social media, artificial intelligence, and emerging digital systems—shape our development, mental health, and wellbeing throughout life.
Our research explores both the opportunities and challenges that digital environments present, from early childhood through to older adulthood.
Our research areas
Child Digital Health and Development
Studying how growing up with digital technology influences the wellbeing and mental health of children and families.
Adolescent Mental Health and Body Image
Investigating how digital environments, especially social media, impact teenagers’ mental health, self-esteem, and body image.
Adult Digital Wellbeing
Exploring how adults use digital technologies and how this affects their mental health, relationships, and daily lives.
Digital Ageing
Examining the role of digital technologies in supporting healthy ageing and wellbeing in later life.
Equity and Vulnerable Groups
Focusing on how digital experiences differ across age, gender, and groups such as LGBTIQ+ youth, to ensure digital futures are safe and inclusive for everyone.
Prevention and Intervention
Developing and testing practical solutions, policies, and interventions to promote positive digital experiences and reduce risks, in partnership with families, schools, health services, and policymakers.
Real-World Impact
Working closely with communities and industry partners to ensure our research leads to real improvements in digital wellbeing. Our co-lead, Dr Hannah Jarman, also chairs the National Taskforce for Social Media, Body Image, & Eating Disorders, which brings together experts and stakeholders to translate evidence into action to improve online safety.
Our work is grounded in the belief that digital technologies are a core part of modern life, and understanding their impact is essential for building healthier, more connected communities.
Researchers
- Dr Sylvia Lin
- Dr Shelley Hemmings
- Assoc. Prof Jeromy Anglim
- Prof Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Prof Craig Olsson
- Dr Lauren Arundell
Research students
- Jacquie Harverson
- Nur Abd Hadi
- Lisa Mohrmann
Our partners
