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22.05.25

Research Consultant – Impacts of Social Media on Young People in Europe

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

People vs Big Tech (PvBT) is a movement of 140 organisations in Europe fighting to overturn the predatory business model of giant tech corporations and change the internet for good. Our first major priority is to ensure today’s tech titans and their legions of lobbyists are not allowed to be the dominant designers of tomorrow’s technology regulations. Our current focus is to distill key enforcement priorities in European regulation, highlight moments for targeted action, and amplify opportunities anywhere for people-powered mobilisation in the fight to increase public and political support for Big Tech accountability.

Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim is Europe’s first tech justice youth-led movement which PvBT has been incubating and supporting since last year. Formed in September 2024, the movement is made up of eighteen 17-25 year-olds from France, Germany Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom - and will be swiftly expanding. Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim aims to ensure young people’s voices and participation are prioritised within EU tech regulation policies and dialogues and seeks to build a new culture that defines how desirable tech and healthy online spaces look like. Read Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim’s manifesto here. 

The Consultant will work with PvBT and Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim on this research assignment.

PURPOSE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim and People vs Big Tech are commissioning research on the harmful impacts of social media on young people in Europe. We are looking for a consultant to conduct the research and draft a report highlighting the scale and scope of harms young people are experiencing due to the abusive business models of Big Tech companies and the predatory and addictive design features of their social media platforms. The research will focus specifically on the mental health impacts of social media platforms on young people.

The aims of the research are to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between young people's use of social media and their mental health, and to generate robust evidence to inform policies, campaigns and advocacy related to young people’s mental well-being in the digital age.

As the research consultant you will be in charge of conducting mixed-methods research on the impact of social media on young people’s health and wellbeing, and drafting a research report with recommendations which can be used for advocacy purposes directed towards the national governments of the countries of focus and relevant EU institutions.The scope of research shall focus on the following countries: France, Germany and Ireland. The social media platforms that are most of interest are Instagram and TikTok. 

DELIVERABLES

  • A literature review of existing data and studies on the harms young people experience due to harmful and addictive social media platforms.
  • Engagement with key stakeholders (e.g. young people, mental health professionals, youth organisations, academics, policymakers) through interviews or surveys.
  • Draft relevant recommendations based on data found that is relevant to EU policymakers and national policymakers in the identified countries. 
  • Develop a youth-friendly research report bringing together the research findings and key recommendations to address the harms identified. 

There will be some scope for the appointed consultant to shape and determine the methodology of the research project, the focus of the research and policy analysis, and the form of the final output/s.

METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH

Where possible, People vs Big Tech and Ctrl+Alt+Reclaim strive to use participatory approaches in our work. We are equally committed to producing research that is accessible and relevant not only to adult stakeholders, such as policymakers, but also to young audiences. Our work is grounded in values of intersectionality and anti-racism.

Given this, it is important that the consultant adopt an approach that reflects these principles and includes sufficient time and space for meaningful input from key stakeholders.

DURATION

Beginning June - mid August 2025

BUDGET

Please provide an estimation of your fee for this work, not exceeding £10,000 GBP (VAT included). The final costs will be agreed on discussion.  

This fee should cover all expenses related to the project, including working time and all communication costs. 

We understand that costs may vary depending on your proposed approach. Please provide a cost estimate along with a range of options that can be adjusted based on the specific scope and elements of the consultancy.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • In-depth knowledge and experience working on issues related to children’s rights, youth mental health and wellbeing;
  • Experience of working on  issues related to children’s rights in the digital

age, including the use of social media platforms, tech regulation and Big Tech accountability. 

  • Experience conducting quantitative data analysis and desktop research. 
  • Proven background in drafting research and advocacy reports directed towards policymakers, ideally on youth mental health, youth rights and digital technologies. 
  • Familiarity with the socio-political contexts of France, Ireland, and Germany would be beneficial.
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of French and/or German is a strong asset.

HOW TO APPLY

Does this sound like you? If so, please send the following to [email protected] and [email protected] by midnight (GMT) on 2 June:  

  • A short cover letter (max. 500 words).
  • A technical proposal outlining your approach, methodology, work plan and timeline.
  • A CV or LinkedIn profile demonstrating relevant experience.
  • Two samples of relevant previous work. 

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