As youth navigate an increasingly algorithmic digital world, concerns about overuse, mental health, and online safety have led to calls for stricter age assurance measures. Yet, common responses—such as depersonalization or outright bans—risk oversimplifying the issue, potentially diminishing both youth agency and their ability to engage with age-appropriate, meaningful content. Instead, in this talk at the Digital Society Institute at the University of Twente on March 20, I explored what responsible age assurance could look like through a digital well-being lens, considering its implications for technology design (incl. algorithmic curation) and user experience. With the rise of frameworks like the Digital Services Act, I discussed how platforms can create environments that balance protection and empowerment as well as the role of digital competence, parental support, and thoughtful policy.
Thanks for the invite UTwente, I had a blast! Looking forward to some great collaborations ahead!