In the final episode, HOPE Podcast explores their journey to advocacy for safer online spaces. Youth brings a unique perspective to online safety and ethics as they have become digital natives. Social media can be used as a tool to amplify youth voices on policy development. Learn how to get involved with #GoodforMEdia and Youth Leadership Institute's HOPE Campaign.

Website: https://www.goodformedia.org/, https://www.youthforhope.org/

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala, Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

In this episode, Sanjna and Vaibhava share the insights of an interview with Joann Bogard, an activist and prominent advocate for internet safety. Joann raises awareness about the dangers of viral online challenges and has been instrumental in pushing for legislation to protect children. She played a key role in passing the 'Mason's Education Act' in Indiana, which promotes internet safety education in schools

Joann Bogard is a co-chair and Founding Member of the Online Harm Prevention Work Group. Her 15-year-old son, Mason, passed away after he participated in a social media trend called “the Choking Game” in 2019. Joann’s goals include spreading awareness, educating others, holding tech companies accountable for designing their products with kids in mind and advancing state and federal legislation. She has a Facebook page to spread awareness about the latest trends and tips for parents (Mason’s Message). 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala 

Do you ever wonder how social media platforms can be designed for young users? In this episode, Rushil and Edward unpack the insights of Vaishnavi J, founder of Vyanam Strategies. Vaishnavi's team partners with companies, civil society, and governments to responsibly design products that safeguard the safety, privacy, and well-being of children and teens online. Explore how youth can be drivers of change on platforms. 

Host: Edward Thomas, Rushil Ladhawala
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes, Rushil Ladhawala

Find out more information on youthforhope.org and goodformedia.org

In this episode, Rushil and Vaibhava will discuss an interview with Dr. Mike Stanton, licensed Clinical Health Psychologist and Associate Professor of Public Health at California State University, East Bay. Dr. Stanton's research examines how stress affects health behaviors and health conditions like obesity, and his clinical work integrates mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat both mental and physical health problems.

Read more about Dr. Stanton here: https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/stanton-michael.html 

Host: Vaibhava Rajesh and Rushil Ladhawala 

Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes and Rushil Ladhawala 

Welcome to the HOPE Podcast. In this episode, HOPE Podcast will be discussing the drug-like nature of social media, and how it affects various age groups. Join us in exploring some negative aspects of social media use.

Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Website: youthforhope.org, https://www.goodformedia.org/

In this episode, HOPE Podcast explores the rise of youth content creators, their impact on other young individuals, and regulations surrounding youth-generated content. 

Host: Sanjna Hegde, Edward Thomas & Vaibhava Rajesh 
Audio Engineers: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Lahawala 

How often are we influenced by the items advertised to us on our social media feeds?

In this episode, we’ll explore another aspect of our online experiences: how media portrays alcohol and other substances. We'll use the results of a 2023 HOPE Survey to understand the influence of alcohol and substance promotion on youth's social media feeds. 

Host: Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde & Vaibhava Rajesh
Audio Engineer: Gabriella Frenes & Rushil Ladhawala

Resource:
HOPE Survey: https://www.youthforhope.org/atodsm

As we continue to explore the world of social media, today we wanted to delve into negative aspects that affect how we use platforms. Within our episode, we cover and discuss our own experiences with topics like cyberbullying and fake accounts. 

As our world transitions into a more technologically advanced place, comprehending the diverse effects it has on us, both positive and negative, is essential. Whether it’s the journey of joining social media or the process of disengaging from it, discussing its impact on mental well-being, or its ability to enhance our social interaction, every individual’s experience varies.

In this episode, Edward, Sanjna, and Vaibhava shared their story of creating a social media account and what came after.

Tips & Tricks for healthier social media use: 

• Being able to recognize if you are forming an unhealthy relationship with social media, prioritizing yourself by taking screen breaks, talking to a trusted adult or friend
• Setting app limits to ensure you aren’t overusing social media, and have something to hold you accountable 
• Try to use social media in a positive way, inspire and motivate

About:

The HOPE Podcast is created by Edward Thomas, Sanjna Hegde, and Vaibhava Rajesh. The HOPE Podcast is a collaboration between GoodforMEdia and yli's HOPE Coalition.

GoodforMEdia is a peer mentoring program for older teens and young adults to share their personal stories, insights, and strategies with younger teens and tweens to support their healthier engagement with technology and social media.

HOPE Coalition is a statewide campaign to address the harmful messages we absorb online. We organize to engage Meta, and the larger online community, in promoting age-appropriate, transparent, and youth-led messages.