Generation Scotland Launches Loneliness in the Digital World Study
The study, designed in collaboration with young people, will examine how interactions online and in-person affect loneliness
Having just celebrated hitting 10,000 new volunteer signups in February, Generation Scotland followed with the launch of a brand-new study in April: Loneliness in the Digital World.
This research, funded by UK Research and Innovation and the Wellcome Trust, invites 12–15-year-olds to participate via a mobile app. Through this innovative technological approach aimed at young participants, the study compares how online and in-person social interactions are connected with feelings of loneliness, and champions the involvement of young people in health research.
The study involves participants responding to four app notifications per day over two weeks. These notifications will fall outside of school hours as recommended by young people themselves. Furthermore, compensation will be offered to those who are able to complete the full study.
Watch the introductory video below:
- Video: Loneliness in the Digital World Project
- An introduction video for the Loneliness in the Digital World project.
The study team encourage those aged 12–15 and living in Scotland to join to 'help researchers to better understand the true impact of online versus in-person social interactions'.
Join the Loneliness in the Digital World Project here (external link)
Young People's Involvement
The Loneliness in the Digital World project has been designed in collaboration with Generation Scotland’s Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG). The 10 young people in this YPAG, who hail from a variety of backgrounds and locations across Scotland, have been involved throughout all stages of the research, from its conception, design and implementation, all the way to contributing to disseminating research materials and study outcomes.
To celebrate and recognise the YPAG’s contributions to the decision-making process in designing the Loneliness in the Digital World project, young people are named as co-creators of the study and compensated for their time. Furthermore, they receive recognition and certification through partners and youth work providers, including YouthLink Scotland, who offer an SCQF Level 5 Participative Democracy Certificate in decision-making, and Young Scot, who provided points for volunteering in decision-making.
Most recently, YPAG members also co-curated the project’s launch exhibition at the University of Edinburgh’s Central Library, for which they selected artworks from the collection’s vaults that resonated with them on the theme of loneliness. This event was attended by representatives from national mental health, schools and youth work partnerships alongside young people, researchers and scientists.
In the same week as the launch exhibition, the Generation Scotland team were delighted to see their study featured on STV, with interviews from YPAG member Eva Drummond, Chief Scientist Professor Heather Whalley and Youth Engagement Lead Sarah Robertson.
Watch the STV feature here (external link)