Episode 5
Beyond the Highlight Reel: Real Talk on Social Media and Mental Health
The impact of social media on mental health is complex and multifaceted, as discussed in this episode. The episode explores how social media can contribute to anxiety and depression while also providing a platform for connection and support. Key factors influencing mental health include the quality of online interactions, the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona, and the tendency to compare ourselves to others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindful social media use, encouraging listeners to curate their feeds, take regular breaks, and prioritize real-world relationships. Ultimately, the episode challenges us to rethink our relationship with social media and consider how to use it in ways that enhance our well-being rather than detract from it.
Paper Referenced:
Karim F, Oyewande AA, Abdalla LF, Chaudhry Ehsanullah R, Khan S. Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2020 Jun 15;12(6):e8627. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8627. PMID: 32685296; PMCID: PMC7364393.
Link - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32685296/
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Transcript
Hi, all.
Parv:Welcome to this audio project where we decode the science of human behavior with a twist.
Parv:I'm Parv and this podcast brings to you AI generated conversations that simplify complex hidden patterns that shape our decisions, emotions and actions.
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Speaker B:Welcome back, everybody.
Speaker B:Today we're doing a deep dive into something I think we all struggle with from time to time, social media and how it affects our mental health.
Speaker B:You know, it's so easy to get caught up in all the noise out there.
Speaker B:Is it good for you?
Speaker B:Is it bad for you?
Speaker B:Well, to help us sort through it all, yeah.
Speaker B:You sent in some research for us to go through, and one of the most interesting things you sent over was this systematic review from Curious.
Speaker C:It's fascinating.
Speaker B:Let's dive in.
Speaker B:It's a big one, right?
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:Well, it really highlights why this whole topic has become such a big deal.
Speaker C:I mean, think about it, right?
Speaker C:Social media is everywhere, everywhere.
Speaker B:And we can't seem to escape it.
Speaker B:The numbers in this curious review really drove that point home.
Speaker C:Oh, yeah.
Speaker B: In: Speaker B:That's almost half the planet.
Speaker C:And that number has only grown since then.
Speaker C:Makes you wonder what it's doing to us for sure.
Speaker B:I mean, that's kind of why we're here.
Speaker B:We want to understand how all of this connectivity is affecting, well, how we feel.
Speaker C:Mental well being, it's the big question.
Speaker B:It is.
Speaker B:And it seems like everybody's got an opinion.
Speaker B:You know, some people say social media is ruining our mental health, making us anxious and depressed.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker B:While others say it's this great tool for building communities and staying connected.
Speaker B:So who's right?
Speaker C:Well, that's where things get interesting because like you said, there's so much back and forth on this.
Speaker C:And this curious review actually points out how the research itself has kind of mixed results.
Speaker B:What do you mean?
Speaker C:Well, some studies do show a connection between being on social media a lot and having problems like anxiety and depression, you know, feeling more anxious or down.
Speaker C:But then other studies, they don't find that link at all.
Speaker B:So how do we make sense of that?
Speaker B:Why are the findings so all over the place?
Speaker C:So a big part of it comes down to the type of research being done.
Speaker C:A lot of these studies are what we call cross sectional.
Speaker C:They basically take a snapshot, you know, of a group of People at one point in time.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And they can show us.
Speaker C:Oh, people who use social media more often also seem to be more anxious, for example.
Speaker C:But that doesn't necessarily mean that social media caused the anxiety.
Speaker B:Ah, so it's a correlation, but not necessarily cause and effect.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It could be something else entirely.
Speaker C:Maybe those folks were already prone to anxiety and social media is just one way it comes out.
Speaker B:Right, Right.
Speaker B:So how do researchers figure out if it's actually social media that's causing these problems?
Speaker C:So what you really need are these long term studies, what we call longitudinal studies, where you follow the same group of people over a long period of time and see how things change.
Speaker B:Makes sense.
Speaker B:But I bet those are harder to do.
Speaker C:Oh, they definitely are.
Speaker C:They take a lot more time.
Speaker C:Resources.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:So we just don't have as many of those studies yet when it comes to social media.
Speaker B:Got it.
Speaker B:So even though the research might not have all the answers yet, what can we learn from what we do know?
Speaker B:Is there anything we can apply to our own lives?
Speaker C:Definitely.
Speaker C:Even with those limitations, there are some really important insights we can glean.
Speaker C:And this is where things get, I think, really relevant for you.
Speaker B:Okay, good.
Speaker B:I like relevant.
Speaker B:Let's hear it.
Speaker C:So it seems like it's not just about how much time you're spending on social media, but it's also about how you're spending that time, you know, what you're actually doing when you're on there.
Speaker B:That's interesting.
Speaker B:What do you mean?
Speaker C:Think about it.
Speaker C:Scrolling mindlessly for hours, just passively taking.
Speaker B:In whatever pops up, versus actually using social media to connect with people you care about.
Speaker B:You know, having conversations, sharing things that matter to you.
Speaker C:That's a big difference.
Speaker B:That's a huge difference.
Speaker B:Like one feels kind of empty and draining and the other feels more engaging.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And this is something that the curious review touches on.
Speaker C:They talk about active versus passive social media use and it seems to matter a lot.
Speaker B:So it's not just about cutting down on screen time, it's about using those platforms more mindfully.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker B:I like that.
Speaker B:So what else should we be thinking about?
Speaker C:Well, another big factor is how much you're defining yourself by your online presence.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker C:How much you're kind of wrapped up in this idea of your online Persona.
Speaker C:The likes, the followers, the whole thing.
Speaker B:I see where you're going with this.
Speaker B:That pressure to present this perfect image online.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:Like always showing the best version of yourself.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:And when you're constantly bombarded with everyone else's highlight reel, it's Easy to fall into that trap of comparison.
Speaker B:It's so true.
Speaker B:It's like everybody on social media is on vacation, has the perfect family, and is killing it in their career.
Speaker B:It's hard not to compare yourself and feel like you're falling short.
Speaker C:It's a completely natural human tendency.
Speaker C:We all compare ourselves to others, but social media can really amplify those feelings of inadequacy.
Speaker C:Yeah, and I think this is where the curious review brings up a fascinating point.
Speaker C:They talk about this thing called intimacy fun.
Speaker B:Intimacy fun.
Speaker B:Okay, what is that?
Speaker C:It's this tendency to only share the positive stuff online, you know, the fun, exciting parts of our lives.
Speaker B:So it's like we're all just putting on a show for each other, pretending everything is perfect basically.
Speaker C:And when everyone's doing that, it creates this distorted view of reality.
Speaker C:You start to think everyone else is happy and successful all the time and.
Speaker B:Meanwhile you're struggling with real life stuff.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:No wonder people end up feeling bad about themselves.
Speaker B:Okay, so we're all playing a part in this intimacy fun.
Speaker B:What can we do about it?
Speaker B:How do we make social media a healthier space for everyone?
Speaker C:Well, that's a question we're going to be exploring throughout this deep dive.
Speaker C:But first I want to dig a little deeper into some of the specific ways social media might be affecting our mental health.
Speaker B:Okay, let's do it.
Speaker B:I'm ready to get into the nitty gritty.
Speaker C:Great.
Speaker C:So let's start by talking about anxiety.
Speaker B:Uh oh.
Speaker B:I feel like this one's going to hit close to home for a lot of us.
Speaker C:It definitely will.
Speaker C:We're going to explore how things like that, pressure to present a perfect image, the constant fear of missing out and all those never ending comparisons.
Speaker B:Yeah, all the things we've been talking about.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:We're going to explore how they can really fuel those anxious feelings.
Speaker B:Oh, I already feel my heart rate going up just thinking about it.
Speaker B:But seriously, this is important stuff.
Speaker B:We need to talk about it.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:And we'll also be talking about how social media can sometimes contribute to depression.
Speaker B:Oh wow.
Speaker B:This is heavy stuff.
Speaker B:But important for sure.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:We'll touch on how social media can sometimes lead to things like cyberbullying, social isolation and feelings of hopelessness.
Speaker B:I can see how that would happen.
Speaker B:It's like you go on social media looking for connection or distraction and then you end up feeling worse because of all the negativity or the pressure to keep up with everyone else's perfect lives.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It can be a real double edged sword.
Speaker B:And this brings up something I'm curious about.
Speaker B:Does social media affect men and women differently?
Speaker C:That's a great question.
Speaker C:And the research actually suggests that it might.
Speaker C:We're going to explore some studies that have found that women might be more susceptible to the negative mental health effects of social media.
Speaker B:Oh, interesting.
Speaker B:What do you think that is?
Speaker C:It's something that researchers are still trying to fully understand, but some believe it might have to do with societal pressures and gender norms.
Speaker B:Okay, yeah, that makes sense.
Speaker C:Women are often bombarded with messages about beauty, standards, body image, and social expectations.
Speaker B:More so than men, for sure.
Speaker C:And social media can really amplify those pressures.
Speaker B:It's like those messages are constantly being reinforced in our feeds.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And that can make it even harder to resist those comparisons and feel good about ourselves.
Speaker C:But before we go too far down that road.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker C:It's important to remember that social media isn't the only factor at play when it comes to mental health.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:It's easy to get caught up in thinking social media is the root of all evil.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker B:But there's a lot more to it than that, right?
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:It's more nuanced than that.
Speaker C:In fact, the research suggests that other things like the strength of our real life relationships, our family dynamics, you know, how well our families function, and just.
Speaker B:Our sense of belonging in our community.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:All of that might play an even bigger role in our mental wellbeing than how much time we spend on social media.
Speaker B:So even if we manage our social media use perfectly, we still need to nurture those offline connections.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:We can't forget about the real world.
Speaker B:So true.
Speaker B:It's all about finding that balance, Right?
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Social media can be a part of a healthy, fulfilling life, but it shouldn't be the center of it.
Speaker B:Okay, this is all super helpful.
Speaker B:I'm already starting to think about my own social media habits in a new light.
Speaker B:But now I'm really curious.
Speaker B:Knowing all of this, what can we actually do about it?
Speaker B:How can we use this information to actually improve our lives?
Speaker C:That's the million dollar question.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:And luckily, based on all of this research, there are some practical steps we can take.
Speaker B:Right, I'm all ears.
Speaker B:Tell me everything.
Speaker C:Well, first things first, we need to become more aware of how we're using social media.
Speaker C:You know, before you even reach for your phone, ask yourself, why?
Speaker C:Are you genuinely seeking connection?
Speaker C:Or are you just avoiding something else?
Speaker B:Oh, that's a good one.
Speaker B:I'm definitely guilty of mindless scrolling sometimes just to avoid dealing with, well, life.
Speaker C:We all do it it's so easy to fall into that trap.
Speaker B:It is.
Speaker B:But you're saying by being more aware of why we're on social media, we can start to make more conscious choices.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It's about being intentional, asking yourself if this is actually serving you or just distracting you.
Speaker B:Okay, so that's step one.
Speaker B:Be more mindful.
Speaker B:What else?
Speaker C:Another powerful strategy is to curate your feed.
Speaker C:Be ruthless about unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
Speaker B:Love that.
Speaker B:Out with the bad vibes.
Speaker B:What kind of accounts should we be seeking out?
Speaker C:Instead, think about what inspires you, what makes you laugh, what teaches you something new, or what genuinely connects you with others in a positive way.
Speaker B:Ooh, that's a good point.
Speaker B:Instead of focusing on what makes me feel inadequate, I should be surrounding myself with content that actually lifts me up.
Speaker C:That's the idea.
Speaker C:Surround yourself with those digital influences that align with your values and support your well being.
Speaker B:I'm already feeling lighter just thinking about it.
Speaker B:And speaking of feeling lighter, let's talk about taking breaks from social media.
Speaker C:Oh yeah, the digital detox.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:It sounds like a good idea, but it's so hard to actually do it.
Speaker C:It is hard, but it can be so beneficial for your mental health, whether it's for a few hours, a whole day, or even longer.
Speaker B:Okay, I'm sold.
Speaker B:I'm scheduling a digital detox, a ttp.
Speaker B:But what should I be doing during those breaks?
Speaker B:Like, what are some good alternatives to scrolling?
Speaker C:Anything that nourishes your soul and brings you joy.
Speaker C:Spend time in nature.
Speaker C:Read a book, Pursue a hobby.
Speaker C:Connect with loved ones face to face.
Speaker C:The possibilities are endless.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker B:It's a good reminder that real life is happening outside of our screens and that's where we should be focusing our energy.
Speaker C:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker B:This is all so helpful.
Speaker B:But before we wrap up, I want to circle back to something we talked about earlier.
Speaker B:You know, about how real world connections are so important for mental health.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:We can't underestimate the power of strong social bonds.
Speaker B:So how do we make sure we're nurturing those connections in a world that's increasingly dominated by digital interactions?
Speaker C:That's a great question.
Speaker C:And it's one we're going to be exploring in more depth in the next part of our deep dive.
Speaker B:Ooh, can't wait.
Speaker B:But for now, we'll leave you with that thought.
Speaker B:Make sure you're prioritizing those face to face interactions, nurturing your relationships, and just being present with the people you care about.
Speaker C:You Know, put those phones down and connect with the humans around you.
Speaker B:Words to live by.
Speaker B:And make sure you tune in next time for part two of our deep dive into social media and mental health.
Speaker C:We'll be back with more insights and practical tips to help you navigate this complex landscape in a way that supports your well being.
Speaker B:See you then.
Speaker C:See ya.
Speaker B:Okay, so where were we?
Speaker B:Oh, right, we were about to talk about how social media can sometimes lead to anxiety.
Speaker C:Right, we talked about some of those big triggers, like that pressure to present a perfect image online.
Speaker B:Yeah, the whole highlight reel phenomenon.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And the fear of missing out those constant comparisons we make.
Speaker B:Ugh, don't even get me started on fomo.
Speaker B:It's a real struggle.
Speaker C:It is.
Speaker C:And when you combine all of those things with the 247 nature of social media.
Speaker B:Oh, right.
Speaker B:It's like you can never escape it.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It's always there, buzzing in your pocket, demanding your attention.
Speaker C:It's no wonder people feel anxious.
Speaker B:Looks like you're always on edge, waiting for the next notification, the next, like the next comment.
Speaker C:And that constant state of hyper vigilance can really take a toll on your nervous system.
Speaker B:No kidding.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Okay, so social media can fuel anxiety.
Speaker B:What about depression?
Speaker C:Yeah, that's another big one.
Speaker C:And it's connected to a lot of the things we've already talked about, like those unrealistic expectations, the social comparisons and cyberbullying.
Speaker B:That's a whole other can of worms.
Speaker C:It is, and it can be really damaging, especially for young people who are already vulnerable.
Speaker B:It's heartbreaking.
Speaker B:And then there's the whole social isolation thing.
Speaker B:It seems ironic, right?
Speaker B:You're on social media, supposedly connecting with people, but it can actually make you feel more alone.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Especially when you're comparing your life to everyone else's carefully curated online Personas.
Speaker C:It's easy to feel like you're the only one who's struggling, like you're the.
Speaker B:Only one who isn't happy and successful all the time.
Speaker C:Which of course isn't true, but social media can really distort our perceptions.
Speaker B:Okay, so we've talked about anxiety and depression.
Speaker B:Is there anything else we should be aware of when it comes to social media and mental health?
Speaker C:Well, there's one more thing I want to mention, and it's something that researchers are still trying to fully understand, but there's some evidence to suggest that women might be more susceptible to the negative effects of.
Speaker C:Of social media than men.
Speaker B:Oh, really?
Speaker B:That's interesting.
Speaker B:Why do you think that is?
Speaker C:Well, like I said, we need more research to be sure, but some experts believe it might have something to do with the different social pressures and expectations that women face.
Speaker B:Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker B:Women are often bombarded with messages about their appearance, their bodies, their roles in society.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And those messages are often amplified on social media.
Speaker B:It's like you can't escape it.
Speaker B:Everywhere you look, there's another perfect body, another perfect life.
Speaker C:And it can be really hard to resist those comparisons and feel good about yourself when you're constantly exposed to those kinds of images and messages.
Speaker B:Okay, so this is all pretty heavy stuff.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker B:But I'm also feeling a little bit hopeful.
Speaker B:Like, the more we understand about how social media affects us, the better equipped we are to deal with it.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:Knowledge is power.
Speaker C:And that brings us to a really important point.
Speaker B:Okay, let's hear it.
Speaker C:Even though we're focusing on social media here, it's crucial to remember that it's not the only factor that influences our mental health.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:We can't blame everything on social media.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:There are so many other things that contribute to our overall well being.
Speaker C:Things like our genetics, our environment, our life experiences and our relationships.
Speaker B:We talked about that earlier.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:The quality of our relationships, our sense of belonging in our communities, those things are incredibly important for mental health.
Speaker B:So even if we perfectly manage our social media use, we still need to nurture those real world connections.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:It's all about balance.
Speaker C:Social media can be a part of a healthy life, but it shouldn't be the center of it.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker B:It's a good reminder to put down the phone and engage with the world around us.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:So now that we've laid the groundwork and talked about some of the potential risks of social media, I think it's time to shift gears a little.
Speaker B:Okay, where are we headed now?
Speaker C:I want to talk about solutions.
Speaker C:What can we actually do to make our relationship with social media healthier and more fulfilling?
Speaker B:Yes, that's what I want to give me all the tips and tricks.
Speaker C:Okay, so here are a few things to keep in mind.
Speaker C:First, be more mindful of how you're using social media.
Speaker B:We talked about that earlier.
Speaker B:Like, ask yourself why you're on there before you even open the app.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Are you genuinely seeking connection or are you just bored procrastinating or trying to numb out from uncomfortable emotions?
Speaker B:Ooh, that's a good one.
Speaker B:I know.
Speaker B:I'm guilty of that sometimes.
Speaker C:We all are.
Speaker C:But by becoming more aware of our motivations, we can start to make more conscious choices about when and how we engage with social media.
Speaker B:So step one, be more mindful.
Speaker B:What's next?
Speaker C:Another powerful strategy is to curate your feed unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, Whether it's because of their perfect bodies, their lavish lifestyles, or their constant negativity.
Speaker B:Ooh, I love that.
Speaker B:It's like a digital cleanse.
Speaker B:Out with the bad vibes.
Speaker B:What kind of accounts should we be following?
Speaker C:Instead, think about what inspires you, what makes you laugh, what teaches you something new, or what connects you with people in a positive way.
Speaker B:Okay, so focus on the good stuff.
Speaker B:The things that actually make me feel good.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Surround yourself with positive influences both online and offline.
Speaker B:I'm already feeling more optimistic just thinking about it.
Speaker B:And speaking of feeling good, I've heard a lot about the benefits of taking breaks from social media.
Speaker C:Ah, yes, the digital detox.
Speaker C:It's a classic.
Speaker B:It is, but it's so hard to actually do it.
Speaker B:Any tips?
Speaker C:Well, the first step is to acknowledge that it's hard.
Speaker C:True, we're all so addicted to our phones these days, but trust me, taking even a short break can do wonders for your mental health.
Speaker B:Like what?
Speaker B:What kind of benefits can I expect?
Speaker C:Well, for starters, you might find that you're less anxious and stressed when you're not constantly checking your phone.
Speaker B:Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker C:You might also sleep.
Speaker C:Sleep better, be more productive and have more time for the things that really matter to you.
Speaker B:Like spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:So how do you actually do it?
Speaker C:Start small.
Speaker C:Maybe try taking a break for a few hours each day.
Speaker B:Like no phone after dinner?
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Or maybe try designating one day a week as a digital detox day.
Speaker B:Ooh, I like that.
Speaker B:A whole day to unplug and recharge.
Speaker C:And during those breaks, focus on doing things that nourish your soul.
Speaker B:You know, get outside, read a book, connect with friends in person.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Remember, there's a whole world out there beyond the screen.
Speaker B:This is all so inspiring.
Speaker B:I'm feeling so motivated to make some changes.
Speaker C:That's great to hear.
Speaker C:And remember, it's an ongoing process.
Speaker C:There will be times when you slip up, when you get sucked back into the vortex of social media.
Speaker C:And that's okay.
Speaker B:It's all about progress, not perfection.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Just keep coming back to those mindful choices, those intentional actions that support your well being.
Speaker B:Okay, I'm ready to take control of my social media habits and make them work for me, not against me.
Speaker C:That's the spirit.
Speaker C:And remember, you're not alone in this.
Speaker C:We're all in this together.
Speaker B:And we're here to support you every step of the way.
Speaker B:So what's next on our deep dive agenda?
Speaker C:Well, now that we've talked about some of the potential risks and some strategies for mitigating those risks, I want to shift gears a little and talk about the positive side of social media.
Speaker B:Ooh, there's a positive side?
Speaker C:There is, believe it or not.
Speaker C:And in the next part of our deep dive, we'll be exploring how social media can be used as a tool for connection, support, and even activism.
Speaker B:That sounds fascinating.
Speaker B:I'm already looking forward to it.
Speaker C:Me too.
Speaker C:It's going to be a good one.
Speaker C:So much you can do, you know, get outside, move your body, read a book, connect with friends and family in person.
Speaker C:It's all about rediscovering those things that bring you joy and make you feel alive.
Speaker B:Yeah, it's like remembering what it feels like to be fully present in the real world, not just in the digital one.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:And speaking of real world connections, I think it's important to circle back to something we talked about earlier.
Speaker C:You know, how crucial those are for mental health.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Those strong social bonds are like the foundation of well being, Right?
Speaker C:They really are.
Speaker C:They provide us with a sense of belonging, support, love, you know, all the good stuff.
Speaker B:So how do we make sure we're nurturing those connections in a world that's increasingly dominated by digital interactions?
Speaker C:Well, it takes effort.
Speaker C:It takes being intentional about putting down our phones and engaging with the people around us.
Speaker B:Like actively choosing face to face interactions over texting or scrolling.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Making time for real conversations, real experiences, real connection.
Speaker B:Like we have to relearn how to be present with each other, you know, without the distraction of our devices.
Speaker C:It's true, and it's not always easy, but it's so worth it.
Speaker B:You know, hearing all of this has been so eye opening.
Speaker B:I'm definitely going to be trying out all of these tips, especially that curate your feed idea.
Speaker C:It's a game changer for sure.
Speaker B:It is.
Speaker B:It feels so empowering to take control of my social media experience instead of letting it control me.
Speaker C:That's what it's all about.
Speaker C:It's about being mindful, intentional, and making choices that support your well being.
Speaker B:So to wrap up this deep dive, what are the key takeaways we want our listeners to remember?
Speaker C:Well, I think the biggest takeaway is that social media's impact on mental health is complex.
Speaker C:There's no easy answer, no one size fits all solution.
Speaker B:It's not as simple as saying social media is good or bad.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It's about how we use it, how we let it affect us.
Speaker B:And the good news is that we have the power to make choices that support our mental well being.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:We can choose to be more mindful, to curate our feeds, to take breaks, to nurture those real world connections, and.
Speaker B:To remember that social media is just one part of our lives.
Speaker B:It doesn't have to define us.
Speaker C:Well said.
Speaker C:So as we sign off, we'll leave you with this thought provoking question to knowing what we now know, how can we use social media in a way that enhances rather than detracts from our well being?
Speaker B:That's a great question.
Speaker B:It really challenges us to think critically about our relationship with social media and to envision a more positive and fulfilling future.
Speaker C:And we'd love to hear your thoughts, share your own experiences and insights with us.
Speaker C:Let's keep this conversation going.
Speaker B:Yes, let's create a space for open and honest dialogue about how we can navigate this digital landscape in a way that supports our collective well being.
Speaker C:Because ultimately, that's what it's all about.
Speaker B:And on that note, we'll wrap up this deep dive into social media and mental health.
Speaker B:Until next time, be kind to yourselves, be mindful of your online habits and keep those real world connections strong.
Speaker C:Take care everyone.
Speaker B:See you next time.
