From Turbulence to Balance: A Theoretical Understanding of Younger Adolescents' Pathways to Reflection and Regulation on Algorithmically Curated Social Media

While the public discourse around social media's impact on young people's wellbeing has been increasing, existing research shows mixed results regarding potential harms. In light of recent policy developments, it has become evident that more nuanced investigations of adolescents' relationship to social media are needed. Early adolescence necessitates particular focus, representing a period of significant neurological development. Given the popularity of algorithmically curated platforms like TikTok among this age group, this study investigated younger adolescents' perceptions and interactions with algorithmically curated platforms to develop a theoretical understanding and provide a foundation for early intervention as well as policy development. It also aims to demonstrate the intricate nature of the current social media landscape as well as the complex relationship that young people have established between these platforms and themselves, manifesting in offline activities and their social circles. It further emphasises the meaningful involvement of adolescents in research, as highlighting their perspectives is crucial for working towards effective solutions that affect them directly. Thus, the research design was strengthened through youth involvement in the methodological development. Data collection comprised 38 in-depth, semi-structured interviews across two phases with 19 participants aged 11, 12, and 13. Photo-elicitation using participant-selected digital visuals supported deeper reflection on online experiences. Constructivist grounded theory framed the approach, employing iterative data collection and analysis, constant comparison, theoretical sampling, and reflexive thematic analysis to generate emergent theory from the data. This methodology prioritised adolescent voice and interpretation throughout, acknowledging the researcher's role in co-constructing meaning while maintaining rigorous analytical processes. Following the analysis, the Adolescents' Algorithmic Interactions Theory emerged from the data, consisting of three interconnected core concepts that characterise younger adolescents' experiences with algorithmically curated social media. Digital Ecosystem Fluidity captures how content and features traverse algorithmically driven platforms, shaped by platform hierarchies, content migration patterns, and developing algorithmic literacy. Temporal Immersion describes experiences of time displacement, emotional volatility, and a perceived impact on attention capacity. Algorithmic Mindfulness encompasses reflective behaviours, strategies for regaining agency, and critical awareness despite algorithmic design constraints. Together, these concepts illustrate how younger adolescents navigate, interpret, and attempt to self-regulate within sophisticated algorithmic ecosystems, demonstrating both vulnerabilities and nascent self-protective strategies, and reveal an age group increasingly aware of algorithmic influence yet lacking adequate support and tools to navigate these ecosystems. This theory advances understanding by moving beyond individual characteristics or outcomes to show the dynamic interaction between developmental processes, algorithmic design, and adolescent agency. It further identifies that younger adolescents demonstrate algorithmic awareness and develop reflective strategies, while systemic design features can constrain them from developing genuine agency. While these findings identify protective capacities within adolescents, they also emphasise that individual self-regulation cannot compensate for persuasive design, highlighting the necessity of structural interventions.