Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel cover image

Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

Kids and social media with Devorah Heitner

Sep 14, 2023
Devorah Heitner, author of Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, joins Jessi Hempel for a conversation about kids' use of social media and its effects on their mental health. They discuss teaching children genuine friendship, the benefits of online communities, navigating the social media landscape, and the impact of social media on future opportunities.
32:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Social media can negatively impact kids' mental health by blurring the line between real friendships and online followers, and amplifying the need for social affirmation.
  • Establishing limits, modeling healthy technology use, and creating tech-free spaces in the home are essential in ensuring balanced screen time and promoting activities like reading or sleeping.

Deep dives

The Impact of Social Media on Kids' Mental Health

The podcast episode discusses the increasing concern about kids' mental health and the role of social media in contributing to the issue. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's declaration of a youth mental health crisis in America is mentioned, with emphasis on social media as a major contributor. The importance of teaching young people the distinction between real friendships and online followers is highlighted, along with the impact of social media on teenagers' need for social affirmation. Examples of balancing social media with real-life connections and building a sense of purpose are provided as potential solutions.

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