Third Space: Youth, Spirituality, and Digital Media

About the Study

The Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA is leading a national research project examining how adolescents and young adults explore, express, and develop their spiritual and religious identities in today's digital media landscape.

As media increasingly shape how young people learn about the world, this study investigates how online platforms—such as social media, video content, and digital communities—function as "third spaces" where youth seek meaning, belonging, and identity beyond traditional religious institutions.

Our Mission

Aligned with CSS's mission to bridge research and storytelling, this study ensures that entertainment and digital media more accurately, inclusively, and responsibly reflect the spiritual lives of young people, supporting their healthy development, representation, and flourishing in a digital world.

Our Approach

Drawing on focus groups with youth ages 14–24 from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds, this project centers young people's lived experiences to better understand:

• Where they turn for spiritual information

• How they interpret media representations of faith and belief

• How digital spaces support (or fall short of) community, identity formation, and well-being

Insights from this research will inform a national survey and guide the development of research-informed tools and recommendations for educators, faith leaders, and media creators.

📩 Get Involved

Interested in participating or learning more?

Contact Alison at alison@scholarsandstorytellers.com

We welcome inquiries from:

• Youth ages 14–24

• Educators

• Community partners

• Organizations supporting research that uplifts young people's voices

The Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA bridges research and storytelling to ensure media reflects young people's lives authentically—supporting healthy development, representation, and flourishing in a digital world.