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Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPSLeibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS

Health Information: Kevin Dadaczynski on Young People’s Information-Seeking Behavior in the Digital Age

Prevention and Evaluation BIPS Institute Seminar

Today, young people naturally turn to social media, search engines, and digital platforms to find information on health topics. At the same time, the enormous volume of information, misinformation, and conflicting content poses significant challenges for young people. At the BIPS Institute Seminar, Prof. Dr. Kevin Dadaczynski discussed how adolescents seek, process, and evaluate health information—and the role digital health literacy plays in this process.

The lecture, titled “From Scrolling to Sense-Making: Adolescent Health Information Seeking and Processing in the Digital Age,” focused on developments surrounding digital health information, adolescents’ use of social media, and how they handle health-related information and disinformation in the digital space. He also presented empirical research findings and approaches to promoting digital health literacy among young people.

The topic is becoming increasingly important, as today’s adolescents come into contact with digital health information earlier and more intensively than any previous generation. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube shape not only information-seeking behavior but also attitudes and decisions regarding health issues. At the same time, studies show that many adolescents have difficulty accurately assessing the quality and trustworthiness of information. Promoting digital health literacy is therefore considered a key prerequisite for informed health decisions and health equity.

Kevin Dadaczynski is a professor of Health Education at the University of Potsdam and is one of the leading researchers in the field of health promotion and health literacy. His academic work combines public health, education, and digital communication with a particular focus on schools and young people. Previously, he worked at the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and Leuphana University Lüneburg, among other institutions. In addition to his research, he is actively involved in international scientific networks and journals, including as an associate editor of Health Promotion International (Oxford University Press).