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Research Talk at the David C. Anchin Center Explores Ethical Frameworks and Digital Literacies in Adolescents' Social Media Use
TAMPA, FL - On Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Education, in partnership with the USF Literacy Studies Program, hosted a thought-provoking research talk by Dr. Amélie Lemieux. The event, held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in TECO Hall, brought together USF College of Education faculty, USF students, and K-12 teachers and leaders eager to delve into the intriguing world of adolescents' use of social media in a post-COVID era.
Dr. Lemieux, an Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Education, captivated the audience as she unveiled initial findings from her "Instapoetry" project. The research project sought to explore how adolescents engage with social media platforms, specifically Instagram, to express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity through the art of poetry.
The talk extended far beyond the realm of mere social media exploration. Dr. Lemieux artfully wove a discussion on ethical frameworks for conducting research in this sensitive domain. Her research, informed by phenomenological and posthumanist perspectives, investigates the interplay between technology, literacy, and social justice, particularly as it relates to adolescents' digital literacy practices and meaning-making processes.
One of the focal points of the discussion was the importance of addressing ethical considerations when studying adolescents' use of social media. Dr. Lemieux emphasized the need to respect the boundaries and privacy of young individuals while also shedding light on the transformative potential of digital literacies and visual arts in shaping their understanding of the world.
During the presentation, Dr. Lemieux not only examined the various ways adolescents engage with social media, but she also emphasized the role of digital literacies and visual arts in shaping their comprehension of literacy in the digital age. This perspective opened up new horizons for educators and researchers interested in understanding how adolescents navigate the complexities of the online world.
The event concluded with a lively and engaging question and answer session that expanded the discussion on ethical considerations and the decisions made by the research team. Participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of conducting research in an ever-evolving digital landscape, where the ethical boundaries are not always clearly defined.
Dr. Amélie Lemieux's research, supported by her status as a bronze Lieutenant-Governor's Medal Recipient of Quebec, continues to shed light on the multifaceted world of adolescents' digital literacy practices and their role in promoting racial and social justice.