There is widespread public and scientific concern about the impact of social media use on young people. Technology is rapidly progressing, and governments are calling for evidence to inform social media regulation. As research methods evolve to meet these changes, this is an ideal moment for social media researchers to meet, exchange ideas and seed new collaborations. 

This conference will bring together researchers studying technology-mediated social experiences for young people from across the world. Across panel discussions, poster sessons and talks, we will be asking questions such as:

• How are social experiences for young people changing in the digital age, as AI, gaming and social media evolve?

• Which new methods can we use to study these questions?

• What advice can we give to policymakers protecting young people from social media harms, and what role should scientists play in this conversation?

Taking place on 7th-8th December 2026, the conference will include keynote speakers discussing emerging research methods, digital policy for young people, and generative AI use. We will also feature flash talks, poster sessions, and symposia. Attendees are invited to submit proposals for posters (with select posters additionally invited to give flash talks) and symposia in advance. We will also be joined by the Science Media Centre, who will provide a workshop on science communication for social media researchers.