Dr Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, recently visited Australia to speak at a number of events on the impact of technology on the well-being and mental health of young people in America.
Hosted by Orygen, Dr Twenge presented at a half-day research symposium in Melbourne on the topic of Young People, Technology and Social Connection.
The symposium included presentations by Orygen’s Associate Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, Dr Lyn O’Grady from the Australian Psychological Society, Irene Verins from Vic Health and concluded with a panel discussion featuring Lucy Williams from Orygen’s Youth Research Council.
In partnership with UNSW Centre for Ideas, Dr Twenge also presented to a sold-out audience at the Sydney Opera House Studio on the topic of “iGen: Understanding the connected generation”.
Facilitated by the ABC’s Hamish Macdonald, the evening featured a lively panel discussion about the cultural changes shaping today’s teens and young adults, documenting how their changed world has impacted their attitudes, worldviews, and mental health.
Panellists included Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen; Associate Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin from the University of New South Wales and University of Newcastle; and Amelia Morris, a member of Orygen’s Youth Advisory Council.