Date of publication
Sep 07, 2026
Category:
Article
“You can reach so many young people there, because I think all young people use TikTok”: young people's views on science communication about adverse childhood experiences
by
Heta Mulari
,
Ms Venla Hakala
,
Prof. Taina Laajasalo
,
Mrs Laura Mielityinen
,
Prof. Noora Ellonen
Communicating science to young people in ways that consider their media use, platform affordances and ethics is increasingly recognised as important. We examined Finnish young people's perspectives on science communication, especially regarding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Based on an analysis of interview and workshop transcripts with young people aged 13–17 years (N = 210), the findings show that young people prefer social media platforms, especially TikTok, for ambient exposure to science communication but content should be linked to longer formats (such as existing research articles). Participants demonstrated an awareness of strategies to tackle mis- and disinformation and clickbait. In the attention economy, researchers communicating about ACE-related research results should pay attention to empathy, hope and making positive changes.