Article Link: https://www.centreformentalhea...eoples-mental-health This article explores the impact of social media on youth mental health. It notes that social media use can result in "urges" to check accounts to experience the instant gratification/dopamine hit from "likes" and comments. It notes that if the instant gratification is not available, a person may scroll their feeds until they receive that feeling, or they will internalize it, which may manifest as loneliness and anxiety.

I find it useful to be aware of when I'm looking for gratification in my own tech usage. Love this idea of training students about the risks inherent in social media, that kind of primary prevention is just golden.

The urges absolutely happen! I myself can go through phases where I am more mindful then others. I see many people as well in my personal life/ work life feeling the need to "check their phone". Great to discuss from an early age when its a "good time" to review your social media/ phone as to when it may be more beneficial to absorb the moment we are in.

I really liked this article, I think it is an interesting time to be discussing these topics while still being somewhat consumed by Covid restrictions and the world just opening back up to us. I think we can all agree anxiety, loneliness and fear, of missing out have all been very real feelings experienced by almost everyone over the past 2+ years, has social media had any positive effects on anxiety, loneliness, and fear of missing out while young people have been essentially stuck at home.

Social media can have both positive and negative influences on individuals, especially teens who are very impressionable. Social media can fill the void of socialization that is missed by some. It also has the ability to bring people closer together. On a larger scale, I can see how some people shift to relying on social media as one of their own means of connection. I appreciate how the article explores both.

Given the scope of this topic area, it seems necessary to "focus on our focus" and attend to health aspects of PTU while keeping an eye on other aspects of PTU (such as technology, game design, business strategy and more).It seems that the concept of "balance" is critical. Exciting ways of conveying mental "balance" seems welcome for psychoeducation approaches. The premise is that if mental health is "in balance" then behavioral addiction or substance addiction will be less likely, less...