Max Stossel Visits MBS to Discuss Digital Wellness
Max Stossel, founder of Social Awakening, recently returned to speak with our Middle and Upper School students about social media, digital distraction, and building healthier relationships with technology. Four years after his first visit, Max was back to help students think more critically about their digital habits and learn practical ways to be more intentional with their screen time.
As technology and social media continue to shape the way young people learn, communicate, and connect, understanding how to use them thoughtfully has become increasingly important. Morristown Beard School recently welcomed Max Stossel, an award-winning artist, speaker, and founder of Social Awakening, for a series of presentations focused on helping students build healthier relationships with technology.
Social Awakening works with students, parents, and educators to help them better understand the effects of social media on young people's lives and find practical ways to navigate the digital world. Through his work, Max has spoken with students, families, and educators about the impact of technology, including its influence on attention, mental health, self-image, and social connection.
Max brings a unique perspective to this work through his own experience in the social media industry. Earlier in his career, he worked as a media strategist for major brands and helped create digital content designed to capture users' attention. Today, he draws on those experiences to help young people understand how digital platforms are designed and how those designs can influence their habits and behavior.
During his visit to MBS, Max led separate, age-appropriate programs for Middle and Upper School students. His presentations explored how social media platforms compete for users' attention, the challenges of digital distraction, and the ways technology can shape our daily lives. Students also learned practical strategies for being more intentional about screen time, setting boundaries, and making choices that support their well-being both online and offline.
Rather than simply encouraging students to spend less time on their phones, Max challenged them to think critically about their relationship with technology and consider whether their digital habits reflect how they want to spend their time.
His visit gave students an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and consider how small changes can make a difference in their daily lives. By building awareness and developing practical tools, students can become more confident in navigating a digital world that is constantly evolving.
