‘Digital Insight and Agency Scale’ (DIAS): A Novel Tool to Illuminate Young People's Agency in Mitigating the Negative Impact of Digital Activities on Their Mental Health | Synapse
March 3, 2026Open Access
‘Digital Insight and Agency Scale’ (DIAS): A Novel Tool to Illuminate Young People's Agency in Mitigating the Negative Impact of Digital Activities on Their Mental Health
Key Points
Young people displayed significant agency in managing their digital activities, which impacts mental health.
Agency in digital activity management was noted as a key aspect for interventions, rather than merely limiting usage.
The analysis highlights potential for behavioral interventions that support young people's decision-making regarding digital consumption.
These findings suggest a shift towards empowering youth in digital environments, indicating broader implications for intervention strategies.
Abstract
Most young people displayed agency in managing their digital activity, suggesting that this could be leveraged in interventions, rather than focusing solely on reducing access and time spent online.