{"id":312,"date":"2026-01-19T20:32:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T20:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/?page_id=312"},"modified":"2026-01-24T02:01:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T02:01:43","slug":"312-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/index.php\/312-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Systems Mapping"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Project” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”135deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|gcid-c246323b-c8b2-49c6-9f39-04ad46e4997e 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/creative-director-12.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”5vw|5vw|5vw|5vw|true|true” custom_margin_tablet=”||||true|true” custom_margin_phone=”0%|0%|0%|0%|true|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”6vw|6vw|6vw|6vw|true|true” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-1b3c32b3-47a7-43a2-aa95-46c707124d7b%22:%91%22background_color%22,%22background_color_gradient_stops%22,%22background_color%22,%22background_color_gradient_stops%22,%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-b11513af-1b2a-4de7-ba7d-a80ed7bd01a9%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22,%22background_color_gradient_stops%22,%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-c246323b-c8b2-49c6-9f39-04ad46e4997e%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.95)” width=”100%” custom_padding=”6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true” scroll_vertical_motion=”0|50|50|100|1|0|-1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”492344f6-0838-4d86-85fa-907615fe95ae” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Systems Mapping Project<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”947px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In this semester-long project, I examined how algorithm-driven, short-form media platforms shape youth wellbeing, with a focus on attention, emotional regulation, and self-image. Rather than framing digital wellbeing as an individual responsibility, this project approached the issue as a systemic design problem influenced by platform incentives, power structures, and attention-based architectures. My process emphasized critical research, ethical analysis, and visual synthesis to make complex systems legible for both academic and public audiences.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”123px” custom_margin=”-74px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”52px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The Problem:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”EB Garamond|800|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”40px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Project Info” _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-104px|||||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Youth enter digital platforms seeking connection, identity, and validation, yet algorithm-driven systems transform these needs into points of exploitation. Features such as personalized feeds, infinite scroll, and reward-based interaction loops reinforce compulsive use, emotional dysregulation, and attention fragmentation. While these impacts are often framed as personal failures of self-regulation, the root causes lie upstream in platform design choices and corporate incentives. This project reframes youth digital wellbeing as a systemic issue rather than an individual one.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Research & Understanding the System” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” custom_margin=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

To ground my analysis, I conducted an extensive literature review across psychology, digital wellbeing, policy, and design ethics, supported by subject matter expert interviews and reflective fieldwork. I examined how attention economies, algorithmic reward systems, and social comparison dynamics interact with adolescent developmental vulnerabilities. A positionality statement guided my approach, acknowledging how my background as a Gen Z information design student shaped both my perspective and ethical responsibilities when analyzing youth-focused systems.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ max_width=”1082px” min_height=”30.2px” link_option_url=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SystemDossier_Pravlik-1.pdf” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

To view my research dossier, click here!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mapsthumb-scaled.png” title_text=”mapsthumb” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”65%” max_width=”89%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Mapping the System:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”EB Garamond|800|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”40px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

I translated my research into a series of interconnected system maps designed to explain complexity without overwhelming the viewer. Each map served a distinct purpose while contributing to a cohesive narrative about how harm is produced and sustained.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|34px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”1. Problem Snapshot” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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A high-level framing of the core feedback loop driving harm within short-form media ecosystems. This snapshot establishes how engagement-driven design prioritizes profit over wellbeing and why individual coping strategies alone are insufficient.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Problem-Snapshot2-pdf.jpg” title_text=”Problem Snapshot2″ show_in_lightbox=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.89)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22overlay_icon_color%22,%22overlay_icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Actor-Map2-pdf.jpg” title_text=”Actor Map2″ show_in_lightbox=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.89)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22overlay_icon_color%22,%22overlay_icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”2. Actor Map” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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A visualization of power, influence, and responsibility across the system. This map highlights how technology companies, advertisers, regulators, educators, and caregivers shape the digital environment, while youth experience the greatest impacts with the least structural control.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”29px|auto|34px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”3. Causal Map” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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A cause-and-effect diagram showing how platform design features trigger specific youth behaviours and lead to downstream wellbeing outcomes. This map reveals reinforcing loops between visibility pressure, social comparison, compulsive use, and emotional strain.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Causal-Map2-pdf.jpg” title_text=”Causal Map2″ show_in_lightbox=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.89)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22overlay_icon_color%22,%22overlay_icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”46px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/RichContext2-pdf.jpg” title_text=”RichContext2″ show_in_lightbox=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.89)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22overlay_icon_color%22,%22overlay_icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”4. Rich Context Map” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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A broader systems view situating youth digital experiences within long-term cultural trends, technological shifts, policy gaps, and possible futures. This map contrasts past systems, current conditions, and potential positive or negative trajectories.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|34px|auto||” custom_padding=”56px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”5. Leverage Points” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”8df45aa4-2cf8-4175-a026-d5fd00078dec” text_font=”–et_global_body_font|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ max_width=”1082px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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An identification of strategic intervention points where targeted changes could weaken harmful loops or strengthen protective pathways. These include design friction, algorithmic transparency, policy enforcement, and community-level support structures.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chiarapravlik.fastlinks.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Leverage-Points-Map2-pdf.jpg” title_text=”Leverage Points Map2″ show_in_lightbox=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(214,231,238,0.89)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-649cc733-e42a-4379-a110-56be4153271c%22:%91%22overlay_icon_color%22,%22overlay_icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”View interactive digital version here:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|on||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1″ title_font_size=”35px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-83f0f885-132e-435d-9f1a-d77147b571c1%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||144px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]