Youth, Social Media, and Digital Communities — Flynn McQuade - Social Media, Communities, & Networks Conference 2026: Semester 1 & SP1

Youth, Social Media, and Digital Communities — Flynn McQuade

Posted on

29/04/2026

In this video, I talk about how young people connect and build communities through social media. It might seem like it’s all just about chatting and sharing, but I argue that things like algorithms and platform features actually play a big role in shaping those connections. I also bring in ideas like networked publics to show how social media creates spaces where people can express themselves and find a sense of belonging. To make it more real, I look at examples like Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities, and how social media can both support connection and sometimes limit it depending on how platforms work. Overall, this video is about understanding that online communities aren’t just created by people, they’re also shaped by the platforms we use every day.

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One response to “Youth, Social Media, and Digital Communities — Flynn McQuade”

Rashmila Karki

03/05/2026

Hi Flynn,

I really like your presentation, the way you clearly explained how young people build communities through social media, and how algorithms shape these connections. Your use of examples such as Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities made your points more meaningful and clear. So, the following three are my questions to you

1 How do you think algorithms shape not only which communities young people join, but also how strongly they feel a sense of belonging within those communities?

2 Since Platforms can create feedback loops, how might they influence users’ exposure to different viewpoints within online communities?

3 You mentioned that social media can both support and limit communities. How do you think platforms can better enhance the positive aspects while reducing risks like exclusion or harm?

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Social Media, Communities, & Networks Conference 2026: Semester 1 & SP1