iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Thomas Abt @thomasabt.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Please read this piece by @dupatton.bsky.social, Joseph Richardson, and myself, following @vrcinfo.bsky.social's symposium and white paper on the same topic. Everyone knows social media accelerates conflicts resulting in violence IRL, but so far responses have been ad hoc. We need to do better.

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Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 24/02/2026

Tired Parents Club spoke to Professor @dupatton.bsky.social about when you should give your child access to a cell phone and how teachers can utilize cell phones in their classrooms:

youtube.com

Are Cell Phones Bad For Your Kids? - Tired Parents Club

YouTube video by Queen City News

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Marc Lesser @malesser.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Decoding Language of Grief and Joy in Digital Life, a new #nosuchthingpod episode - come join @dupatton.bsky.social and I for a discussion of social media, AI, and interpretation #research #media #technology #youth Follow ☝️for info on release of his new new book. shows.acast.com/nosuchthing/...

shows.acast.com

Decoding Language of Grief and Joy in Digital Life | No Such Thing

Dr. Desmond Patton on youth, AI, and the stakes of misinterpretation

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW @jbsinger.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

"what does it mean to privilege JOY in AI development?" @dupatton.bsky.social sharing his insights at #SSWR2026 @pennsp2.bsky.social

Large projected slide with a bright yellow-green background titled “Joy: What is it?” The slide lists bullet points defining joy as an emotional response to a perceived good, sometimes emerging after pain, grief, or collective struggle, and emphasizing that joy is not passive but cultivated through intentional practice. A tall black speaker stack partially blocks the right side of the slide, and a smaller teleprompter screen with partial text is visible below.

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

“What if I told you social media isn’t just a platform but a neighborhood?"- @dupatton.bsky.social, keynote speaker at our symposium. A leading researcher on social media and community gun violence, his work is reshaping how we approach digital spaces in violence prevention. White paper coming soon!

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 04/11/2025

Three Penn faculty members, including PIK Professor @dupatton.bsky.social, are among more than 40 experts to author a report addressing the persistent challenge of gun violence and proposing solutions stemming from a JAMA Summit convened last spring:

asc.upenn.edu

A Road Map To Reduce Firearm Harms by 2040

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Justin Hendrix @justinhendrix.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

In the latest episode in her special podcast series, Through to Thriving, Tech Policy Press fellow @anikacolliernavaroli.com talks with @dupatton.bsky.social about his personal and intellectual engagement with the concept and practice of joy, and what it all has to do with technology and policy:

techpolicy.press

Through to Thriving: Journeying to Joy with Dr. Desmond Upton Patton | TechPolicy.Press

Anika Collier Navaroli spoke to Dr. Patton about his personal and intellectual journey, and how the pursuit of joy could change the way we think of technology.

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Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

In the latest episode in her special podcast series, Through to Thriving, Tech Policy Press fellow Anika Collier Navaroli talks with Dr. Desmond Upton Patton about his personal and intellectual engagement with the concept and practice of joy, and what it has to do with technology and policy:

techpolicy.press

Through to Thriving: Journeying to Joy with Dr. Desmond Upton Patton | TechPolicy.Press

Anika Collier Navaroli spoke to Dr. Patton about his personal and intellectual journey, and how the pursuit of joy could change the way we think of technology.

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Children and Screens @childrenandscreens.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

How are aggression and violence affecting youth in digital spaces? #ChildSafety Gain critical insights for building a safer, more equitable digital landscape for children from @dupatton.bsky.social, @drmandyk.bsky.social, and others at #MediaAndMinds25. Secure your spot today: bit.ly/3zOUbjH

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

JAMA @jama.com · 13/05/2025

“We are only slowly beginning to understand the impact that social media is having on violence. In the 21st century we really need to invest in this space.” @upenn.edu professor and @nam.edu member Desmond Patton shares his perspective while attending #JAMASummit.

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Dr. Samantha Fede @samantha-fede.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

Saturday of ##SOBP2025 starts at 8am(!!) but we're here for exciting talks on AI. Dr. Desmond Patton presents important work on social media and gun violence. Highlights important interactions between virtual and physical neighborhoods and discussing CASM- with caution on potential misuse.

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Tanisse Epp MSc @tanisse-epp.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

An absolutely incredible talk by @dupatton.bsky.social! So many implications and tips for engaging with communities and the important of community expertise in our research!

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 20/04/2025

📍The Book I’ve Been Holding in My Chest I’ve been writing a book for years—one shaped by a single question:Who gets to be understood online? It’s about grief, algorithms, and Gakirah Barnes.She was 17.She was brilliant.Her life—lived on Twitter—has something to teach us all.

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Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 03/04/2025

How can AI help us predict language and communication patterns that reveal how violence operates? How can it be used as a research tool? In this #PennAI video, @dupatton.bsky.social discusses how he uses AI in his research. Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqki...

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SAFELab at UPENN @safelab.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

"Collaboration often means reconciling different ways of knowing--whether it's the lived experiences of community, or the technical precision of data science, or the structural perspectives of social work." Check out @dupatton.bsky.social's keynote at SSWR this year!!!!

youtu.be

SSWR 2025: Opening Plenary

YouTube video by Society For Social Work & Research (SSWR)

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Sarah J. Jackson @sjjphd.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

They are coming for every university, if you think you’re safe because it hasn’t been yours yet I don’t know what to tell you. Join AAUP, refuse to comply, organize your colleagues

thedp.com

Trump administration freezes $175 million in federal funding to Penn

According to a White House tweet, Wednesday's decision is a result of Penn's

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 14/03/2025

🎤 MONDAY, MARCH 17 🎤 Listen as Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser talks to Annenberg Professors @dupatton.bsky.social and Julia Ticona about joy and care in the latest episode of Annenberg Conversations.

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SciLine @sciline.org · 14/03/2025

Reporters—covering cell phone bans in schools? Our recent Q&A with Dr. Desmond Patton (@upenn.edu) is available and free for you to use/clip/quote in news stories to add research-backed info for your readers/viewers/listeners. bit.ly/4hBOGoq @dupatton.bsky.social

bit.ly

Dr. Desmond Patton: Cellphones in schools - SciLine

Discover why school districts are restricting cell phone use. Dr. Desmond Patton discusses effects on attention spans, academic performance, and student wellbeing.

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 13/03/2025

As schools across the country crack down on cellphones, we sought @dupatton.bsky.social's expertise in order to assess the situation and provide insights into digital wellness:

asc.upenn.edu

School Cellphone Bans: Annenberg Expert Reframes the Issue

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Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 06/03/2025

📽️HAPPENING TODAY! The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Shawn Kornhauser, executive producer @dupatton.bsky.social, and producer Shana Kleiner of SAFELab. Learn more:

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

✨ Manifestation isn’t magic—it’s mindset + action. Science shows that visualizing joy and aligning actions with intentions can rewire your brain for happiness. Your JoyPlan Challenge: Write down your ideal joyful life as if it’s already happening. Be bold, be specific, be YOU.

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

🚀 A Joyful Internet is a Safer Internet 🌍💛 The internet should be a place to connect and thrive—not one filled with harm. A safe internet is a joyful, where youth feel seen, AI supports well-being, and platforms uplift. At SAFELab, we’re building tech that centers care, community, and joy.

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

"Why you acting tough on IG Live?" 🤔📲 Social media isn’t just posts—it’s survival, identity, and community. But when AI misreads culture, safety becomes surveillance. A safer internet means understanding language and context. At SAFELab, we’re building AI that protects without criminalizing.

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Philly is buzzing—Eagles gear everywhere, packed brunch spots, pure anticipation! 🏈 Anticipatory joy boosts dopamine + shifts our mindset. If we can imagine worst-case scenarios, why not the best? What’s bringing you joy this week? #JourneyToJoy #PhillyJoy#Joyplan

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Alondra Nelson @alondra.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

Research universities are often the largest employers in their region. They are often the primary health care providers to communities. This funding shift will not only reduce US research leadership, it will put working people out of work and reduce healthcare access.

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

💡 Joy is a practice, not an accident. Step 1 of the #JoyPlan: Intentionality 🎯 🔹 Choose joy on purpose 🔹 Create small daily rituals 🔹 Make space for what lights you up Joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy. What’s one small way you’ll invite joy today? ⬇️ #JoyPlan #IntentionalJoy #Wellbeing

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Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 06/02/2025

📱Annenberg’s SAFELab has developed a new app that teaches adults to look more closely at social media posts of teens and young adults. Read about its origins, purpose, and insights in our article featuring @dupatton.bsky.social: www.asc.upenn.edu/when-young-p...

asc.upenn.edu

When Young People Make Threats on Social Media, Do They Mean It?

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Your time is yours. An authentic joy plan isn’t about chasing happiness—it’s about setting boundaries, reclaiming time, and protecting peace. You don’t have to meet every deadline or be "nice" to everyone. Kind, yes. Respectful, always. But joy? That’s yours to define. #JoyPlan

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Black History is Black Joy. Despite efforts to erase, we persist. And so does joy. Today, I stood in front of Black art that reflected our light, resilience, and imagination. From family portraits to bold colors bursting with possibility—we are here. Joy is our birthright. #joyplan

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Feeling joy today because i got to be in community at safelab we celebrated big wins but what i love most are our real check ins because we cant do the work if we arent whole what’s bringing you joy today. #joyplan

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Rest and pampering = pure joy. 🛁✨ Lately, I’ve been loving skincare routines (thanks to my NYT bestselling husband, Jeff!) and naps under a cozy weighted blanket. What’s your favorite way to recharge? Let’s share the joy! 💆🏽‍♂️ #Rest #Pamper #JoyPlan

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Reposted by Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 22/01/2025

"What we've do in our lab is that we give young people a moment to pause and say, 'Oh, I didn't even realize what I was watching or how I was participating in it.'" - Prof. @dupatton.bsky.social discusses teens streaming school fights and how @safelab.bsky.social helps youth to process violence.

wbur.org

Can social media literacy, joy and reflection combat cell phone-driven teen violence?

Some schools have instituted cell phone bans during school hours, but the approach is just a Band-Aid, not a solution.

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Social media feels complicated. Sharing joy connects me, but endless discourse (#47, speculation, fear) pulls me in every direction I’m focusing on what I can control: 1️⃣ My time online 2️⃣ My audience (block/silence as needed) 3️⃣ Curating joyful content What keeps your feed joyful? 🌟 #Joy #Wellness

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Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW @jbsinger.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

One of the highlights of #SSWR2025 was @dupatton.bsky.social's talk. Fun fact: As Desmond and I were taking a selfie, @naswsocialworkers.bsky.social's CEO, Anthony Estreet photo bombed. When I was at the NASW Pioneer event in 2023, he did the same thing. I see a pattern :-)

Photo of Jonathan Singer, Anthony Estreet, and Desmond Patton

Anthony Estreet photobombing a group photo taken by André Marcel Harris

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Dr. Desmond Upton Patton @dupatton.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

On days that feel uncontrollable, I’m reminded that we can’t control everything, but we can choose joy. Joy isn’t ignoring hard emotions—it’s holding them with hope. Let them act; let us resist with joy. 💛 #JoyIsResistance #ManifestingJoy #JourneyToJoy

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