Plain English with Derek Thompson The Dark Side of the Internet's Obsession With Anxiety
72 snips
Feb 13, 2024 In this engaging discussion, Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and USC professor, dives into the complexities of anxiety in the digital age. She explores how social media can both destigmatize mental health conversations and exacerbate anxiety by transforming personal struggles into commodified content. Saxbe critiques algorithm-driven media for increasing rumination and distress while questioning if our open dialogue about mental health has gone too far. Tune in for insights on navigating anxiety and the future of mental health discussions online.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Paradoxical Effect of Mental Health Focus
- Focusing teens' attention on mental health may worsen their problems.
- This paradoxical effect arises because constant focus on mental health can turn it into a defining identity.
Prevalence Inflation
- Prevalence inflation occurs when people overestimate the commonality of mental health issues, leading to self-diagnosis.
- This is driven by the internet, which makes these issues seem ubiquitous.
Internet's Architecture and Anxiety
- The internet's lack of boundaries, unlike therapy sessions, can worsen anxiety.
- Algorithmic media keeps users hooked on the same content, creating a cycle of rumination.