Digital media use is central for youth as a means to facilitate identity development, social connection, and vocational competence. Emerging literature suggests that the influence of digital media use is more nuanced than the contemporary risk/benefit discourse, particularly for youth who experience social and emotional vulnerability. This youth-centered, developmentally informed study attends to the gap in literature addressing the digital media use experiences among youth in residential treatment (RT). McCracken’s Long Interview Method was utilized to conduct and analyze in-depth interviews with youth (n = 15) aged 13 to 18 in RT. The analysis involved movement from particular to general coding, applying categorical observations, and thematic comparison of transcripts. Consistent with existing literature on other youth populations, participants reported that digital media use had both beneficial and problematic implications for their well-being. Internet access decreased experiences of isolation and stigma and increased capacity to contend with marginalized identities (e.g., disability, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Two Spirited Plus [LGBTQ2S+], child welfare guardianship). They reported that following an initial digital disconnect and stabilization, digital media use facilitated pathways toward agency, leadership, and community engagement (e.g., LGBTQ2S+ community, recovery blogs, animal advocacy). The findings suggest that supporting youth in RT to identify their online opportunities and needs can encourage individual growth, wellness, and participation in social change.

作为促进身份发展、社会联系和职业能力的一种手段，数字媒体的使用对青年来说至关重要。新兴文献表明，数字媒体使用的影响比当代风险/收益话语更为微妙，特别是对于经历社交和情感脆弱性的年轻人。这项以青年为中心、发展知情的研究关注解决青年在住院治疗 (RT) 中使用数字媒体体验的文献中的空白。麦克拉肯的长访谈法被用来进行和分析对青年的深度访谈（n= 15) 13 至 18 岁的 RT。分析涉及从特定编码到一般编码的移动、应用分类观察以及转录本的主题比较。与现有关于其他青年人口的文献一致，参与者报告说，数字媒体的使用对他们的福祉既有有益的影响，也有问题。互联网接入减少了孤立和耻辱的经历，并提高了应对边缘化身份（例如，残疾、女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋、变性人、酷儿、双灵加 [LGBTQ2S+]、儿童福利监护）的能力。他们报告说，在最初的数字断开和稳定之后，数字媒体的使用促进了通往代理、领导和社区参与的途径（例如，LGBTQ2S+ 社区、康复博客、动物倡导）。