Short Wave

We Need To Talk About Teens, Social Media And Mental Health

8 snips
May 10, 2023
Michaeleen Doucleff, an NPR science correspondent renowned for her insights into social media's effects on mental health, delves into the rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens. She explores the American Psychological Association's guidelines aimed at protecting children online. The discussion highlights how smartphones have altered teen interactions, leading to less face-to-face socialization and disrupted sleep. Doucleff also shares findings suggesting that taking breaks from social media can boost happiness and reduce anxiety in young users.
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INSIGHT

Smartphone Hypothesis

  • In 2017, Jean Twenge noticed a rise in teen depression and anxiety around 2011-2012.
  • She hypothesized that smartphones were the cause, sparking controversy among her colleagues.
INSIGHT

Tech as a Scapegoat

  • Psychologists have historically blamed new technologies for youth problems, often without strong data.
  • Examples include radio crime stories, comic books, and television.
INSIGHT

Shifting Socialization

  • Time spent with friends in person has declined sharply since 2010, coinciding with increased social media use.
  • A third of teens report constant social media use, and 95% use it daily.
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