A new report from Dublin City University’s Anti-Bullying Centre, in partnership with Webwise, explores how young people engage with online spaces in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and misinformation.

The study, which surveyed 109 adolescents aged 11 to 15 across Ireland, found that 60% of participants received their first smartphone between the ages of 10 and 13, with 43% using their mobile devices multiple times a day. YouTube emerged as the most popular social media platform, favoured by 61.5% of respondents. The report also highlighted that filters (photo or video) were the most commonly used digital tools, with 61.5% of participants incorporating them into their online activity. Many adolescents also reported that being online enhances their self-expression.

When asked about their ability to navigate online platforms safely, most participants expressed confidence in managing their privacy, securing passwords, and recognising when not to share personal information. However, the study identified gaps in adolescents’ ability to detect advanced forms of misinformation, including deepfake content, highlighting a need for stronger digital literacy skills.

The report also examined the impact of influencer content on self-image and emotions. While many adolescents engage with influencer content, they generally perceived its influence on their self-identity as minimal. Instead, their primary motivation for consuming influencer content was entertainment rather than emotional connection or self-reflection.