The New Yorker article discusses Lauren Greenfield's docuseries "Social Studies," which explores teens' complex relationships with social media. The series chronicles a diverse group of teenagers, detailing how their online personas and interactions diverge from their real-life experiences. Greenfield employs a blend of traditional documentary techniques and footage sourced directly from the teens' phones, highlighting the duality of their existence in both real and virtual worlds. Although some scenes may appear alarmist, the series illustrates the heightened pressures teens face today due to social media, including cyberbullying and body image issues. Ultimately, the documentary also fosters a sense of community among participants, facilitating meaningful discussions about their struggles with social media in a safe space.

Key Points:

• Lauren Greenfield's docuseries "Social Studies" focuses on the relationship between teens and social media.
• It captures the stark disparity between teens' online personas and their real lives.
• The series includes footage from the teens' phones, providing insight into their virtual lives.
• Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including various class and racial identities.
• The documentary highlights issues such as cyberbullying, social comparison, eating disorders, and mental health challenges.
• Group meetings facilitated by Greenfield offer a platform for teens to share their experiences and struggles away from social media.
• Overall, the series aims to shed light on the profound impact of social media on contemporary adolescence.
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