Facebook and Twitter launched to the public in 2006, ushering in an era of constant communication and virtual communities unimaginable a generation ago.

Social media has changed how we communicate and influences everything from how we engage in political life to young people’s social, emotional and civic development.

MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with two researchers who study the ways that social media is shaping our lives.

Guests:

• Jaime Settleis an associate professor of government and data science at William and Mary University in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is also the author of the book “Frenemies: How Social Media Polarizes America.”

• Emily Weinsteinis a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a principal investigator at Project Zero, which conducts education research. She is the co-author of the new book “Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (And Adults Are Missing).”

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