Has the Internet changed everything or nothing? Thoughts on examining and using emerging technologies in adolescent...

There are 2 ways to think about emerging technology and adolescent health research. First, one can try to understand the relationship between technology and adolescent health. This line examines whether time spent using emerging technologies or being exposed to messages and applications are associated with poorer or better health. The second way looks at how technology is and can be used through delivering interventions, data collection, or analyses. This article examines both ways of thinking. Given the limited (albeit growing) number of published studies, we use a case-study approach to illustrate relationships and methods. After discussing the purpose and findings, we highlight a study's strengths and weaknesses, not to praise or disparage a researcher's work but to critique the research. We conclude by describing common concerns in adolescent research suggesting ways to advance the field of emerging technologies and adolescent health research.