Key insights

• ❗ High social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and stress among young adults
• 📱 The constant exposure to others' highlight reels contributes to feelings of inadequacy and increased stress
• 👍 Likes, comments, and shares serve as social currency and contribute to the 'Economy of Attention'
• ⚠️ Online harassment is a major stressor on social media, especially for specific groups like women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color
• 🚨 Excessive social media use leads to rising levels of anxiety and depression
• 🔍 Audit your social media consumption to assess its impact on your mental health
• 🌟 Create a better online experience by unfollowing negative influencers
• 😌 Social media can be a source of positivity, inspiration, and laughter

Q&A

• Is there a way to use social media for positivity?

  Social media can be used for positivity and inspiration. It's important to be aware of its impact, audit consumption, and model good behavior for a more positive environment.

• What are some ways to address the negative impacts of social media on mental health?

  To address the negative impacts of social media on mental health, individuals should audit their social media consumption, create a better online experience, and model good behavior. Recognizing the problem is the first step to finding social media wellness.

• Who is particularly affected by online harassment on social media?

  Online harassment on social media affects women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color. Everyday instances of harassment and addiction to social media can have serious effects on mental health.

• What are some stressors on social media that affect mental health?

  Stressors on social media include the pressure to showcase highlights, social currency as likes and shares, fear of missing out (FOMO), and letting social media dictate self-worth.

• How does high social media use affect mental health?

  High social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and stress among young adults. The constant exposure to others' highlight reels contributes to feelings of inadequacy and increased stress.

• What are the unintended consequences of social media on mental health?

  The unintended consequences of social media on mental health include Phantom Vibration Syndrome, constant distraction from social media, and the pressure to maintain a 'highlight reel' leading to comparison and insecurity.

• 00:00 Social media is affecting mental health, causing stress and anxiety, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Taking a break from social media highlighted its impact, leading to research into its effects.
• 02:26 The speaker discusses the impact of social media on mental health, highlighting the high usage of social media among young adults and its link to anxiety and depression. The 'highlight reel' phenomenon, comparison, and insecurity are identified as common stressors on social media.
• 04:56 Social media stressors include the pressure to showcase highlights, social currency as likes and shares, and fear of missing out (FOMO). People are letting social media dictate their self-worth and are obsessed with presenting the perfect image.
• 07:17 Social media can be a terrifying experience due to online harassment, especially for women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color. Everyday instances of harassment and the addiction to social media can have serious effects on mental health.
• 09:47 Social media has negative impacts on mental health, especially among young users. It's neither good nor bad but reflects the dark side of people. Recognizing the problem is the first step to finding social media wellness.
• 12:09 Being aware of social media's impact is important. Audit your social media consumption, create a better online experience, and model good behavior. Social media can be used for positivity and inspiration.