“It’s a window to the outside world. . .” Perspectives From Minority Youth in Aotearoa New Zealand on the Impact of Media and Technology on Their Wellbeing

Abstract

This study investigated the perspectives of young people aged 12–18 years from minority communities in Aotearoa New Zealand on how media and technology influence their mental health and wellbeing. Adopting a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) approach, we conducted 19 focus groups (n = 77) with young people from Māori, Pacific, Deaf, or Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) communities. Thematic analysis identified six overarching themes: (1) constant device use; (2) diverse device use for distinct and related purposes; (3) positive aspects of device use; (4) negative aspects of device use; (5) young people have the solutions for young people; and (6) young people have the solutions for adults. These themes highlight the complex and multifaceted ways digital media and technology shape the mental health and wellbeing of underserved young people, and point to actionable strategies and policy recommendations, grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected—young people themselves.