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What really happens when we spend our days glued to screens, consumed by social media and endless digital drama? In her new book, , Warner School of Education and Human Development alumna Kathleen Allen ’12W (PhD) explores how modern adult behavior—often mirroring the very adolescent antics we try to correct—is eroding our ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Drawing on years of research in human development and her doctoral dissertation on adolescent social drama and bullying, Allen expands her human development lens to explore the deeper social, emotional, and neurological consequences of adult screen addiction and online behavior.

In this insightful Q&A, Allen delves into the origins of her book, defines social drama, and offers strategies to help restore authentic human relationships in a screen-obsessed world. 

What inspired you to write Stuck in our Screens?
Initially, I planned to write a book about adolescent social drama—something I explored during my dissertation on bullying. But around 2016, I started noticing that adults were engaging in social drama just as much as teens—often with even more damaging consequences. It felt irresponsible to critique youth without calling out how adults were behaving. So, I pivoted. This book is about what adult social drama is doing to us as a society.

What is “social drama” exactly? 
Social drama refers to emotionally charged interactions—often over minor or exaggerated issues—that eventually spiral into chaos, involve more people than necessary, and persist until something more entertaining comes along. It’s performative, attention-seeking, and draining. In essence, it’s a magnetic pull that sucks us in and disrupts our relationships with others and our emotional health.

What are the consequences of engaging in social drama? 
Social drama introduces conflict, confusion, and toxicity into our lives. People who regularly stir up drama are often emotionally exhausting and can manipulate or harm others. Over time, this damages trust, empathy, and stability in relationships—and in society at large.

Why do some people thrive on social drama?
For youth, drama can be a way to experiment with identity and social roles. Some grow out of it. But for others—especially adults—it can involve patterns tied to narcissism, impulsivity, or entitlement. It’s a spectrum, but the impact is widespread when these behaviors become normalized in adulthood.

How does social media fuel this drama?
Social media amplifies drama by rewarding attention-seeking behavior. It fosters disinhibition, making it easier for people to say things online they’d never say face-to-face. People overshare, perform, and lose touch with their true identity. The screen becomes a mask, and we lose empathy and nuance behind it.

You say the “screen” is more than a device—what do you mean?
The screen is both a literal object and a powerful metaphor. It’s the gateway to social media but also a barrier that separates us from real-life experiences. Instead of being fully present, we’re performing for an audience. Social media turns identity into a commodity, making us both the product and the consumer. We feed off each other and, metaphorically, offer ourselves up to be consumed by others. In the process, we lose touch with who we really are and the real world around us.

One chapter is titled “Our Society Has a Personality Disorder.” Can you explain that? 
We’re seeing a rise in behaviors typically associated with narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders—things like selfishness, emotional volatility, and a lack of empathy. When these behaviors become widespread, it suggests a societal shift in how we define acceptable adult behavior. Our identities as individuals and as a collective are suffering as a result.

You also express concern about brain development among children. What’s the link between screen time and cognition?  
Too much screen time, especially in developing brains, damages our ability to think deeply and critically. Drawing on the work of Neil Postman and Maryanne Wolf, I highlight how digital media weakens our attention spans and reduces our capacity for complex thoughts. Kids are losing the ability to read, reflect, and synthesize information—essential skills for learning and growth. In short, it’s making us less intelligent than we could be—and than we once were.

What solutions do you propose? 
We need to reclaim our humanity. That means fewer screens, more reading, more talking, and more observing the world around us. We must also teach digital media literacy, strengthen critical thinking skills, and help kids experience their worth by showing them how to make the world a better place. In the book, I say: “We need to stop whining, do something for someone else, and cultivate curiosity.” These are small steps toward rebuilding community, empathy, and real human connection.

���ɱ��� the Author

Allen, a human development doctoral graduate at the Warner School, is a lifelong educator, researcher, and former program evaluator with the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. She has published extensively on adolescent social drama. Stuck in Our Screens is her first book. During her time at Warner, she shared practical strategies for preventing bullying among children.

���ɱ��� Human Development

Human development is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the study of different stages of life, from birth to older adulthood. It’s taking a closer look at the processes of growth and change that occur across individuals’ lifespans. Human development graduates understand how to create and transform environments and communities that promote healthy development and lead to life-long wellness. Learn about 10 career paths you can pursue with a human development degree. Explore the Warner School’s human development doctoral programs.