Forty years ago, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services released a comprehensive report documenting the negative outcomes attributed to health disparities among racialized minorities (1). The report set off a cascade of policies, initiatives, and programs aimed at understanding the social determinants of health and eliminating health disparities, thereby paving the way for adoption of language and practices to bolster health equity in all sectors of public health, including health communication.  

​Yet, in merely months, we have witnessed swift and disturbing moves at federal, state, and organizational levels to end the decades-long progress that public health practitioners in the U.S. have achieved

It’s Wednesday, August 6th. Evening is descending on the home base of New City Neighbors, the youth development organization I lead in northeast Grand Rapids. Residents of our neighborhood join the youth in our summer program for an interactive panel discussion with local community leaders. The organization’s urban farm and farmhouse provide the ambiance for our guests, including the student-prepared visuals related to the asset mapping of our Creston neighborhood that are on display. With temperatures reaching past eighty degrees Fahrenheit, nearly fifty people are gathered outdoors in the warmth of the fading sunlight to listen to the experiences of the panelists. The theme for the evening is Cultivating Community. 

A positive community can help young people find a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. As we continue to learn more about the role of technology and social media in the lives of youth, we're uncovering how these platforms can be harnessed to support growth rather than hinder it.

​Just a decade ago, the dominant narrative around digital spaces was centered on harm—bullying, mental health issues, and a loss of in-person connection. But with growing research and insight, a new perspective has emerged: digital platforms, when thoughtfully designed and moderated, can actively promote thriving and Positive Youth Development (PYD).