Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics The Real Harm of Social Media
Sep 14, 2024
The podcast delves into the surge of teen depression linked to social media, highlighting alarming statistics since 2010. It explores the disproportionate impact on teenage girls, citing Instagram's troubling effects. Discussions include how social media fuels harmful comparisons, the chilling case of Molly Russell, and the dangers of algorithmic recommendations. The potential for regulation is debated, alongside the need for balanced oversight versus privacy concerns. With insights into hate speech and youth violence, this episode is a thought-provoking look at digital responsibility.
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Sharp Rise In Teen Mental-Health Since 2010
- Rates of teenage depression and self-harm rose sharply around 2010, especially among girls.
- Multiple studies show strong correlations between social media use and worsening youth mental health.
Platform Design Amplified Comparison
- Instagram's launch and front-facing smartphone cameras coincided with the mental-health uptick and changed social interaction.
- Social media quantifies popularity and amplifies comparison, hitting school-age girls particularly hard.
Molly Russell's Case Connects Content To Harm
- The tragic case of 14-year-old Molly Russell linked online content to her suicide in a coroner's verdict.
- She viewed thousands of posts including over 2,100 related to suicide, self-harm and depression in six months before her death.