Mental Health & Social Media
How does social media affect self-esteem and body image?
Social media often presents idealized versions of people’s lives and appearances, leading to negative comparisons and a distorted self-image.
How do social media companies collect user data?
Answer: Social media companies track user behavior, such as posts, searches, interactions, and even time spent on the platform, to create detailed user profiles.
What psychological tactics do companies use to keep people engaged on social media?
Answer: Companies use notifications, infinite scroll, and personalized content to create habits and keep users engaged for longer periods.
What is an echo chamber, and how does it contribute to political division?
Answer: An echo chamber is a digital environment where users are exposed only to viewpoints similar to their own, reinforcing beliefs and increasing polarization.
Why does misinformation spread faster than factual news on social media?
Answer: Misinformation is often sensational and emotional, making it more likely to be shared quickly than factual, less attention-grabbing news.
What connection does The Social Dilemma make between social media use and rising anxiety and depression rates?
The documentary suggests that excessive social media use increases feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and anxiety, which can contribute to depression.
What is a digital footprint, and why is it important?
Answer: A digital footprint is the record of all online activities, including posts and searches. It’s important because it can be used to profile individuals and affect their online reputation.
What is dopamine, and how does it relate to social media addiction?
Answer: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Social media platforms trigger dopamine release, making users feel rewarded and reinforcing addictive behavior.
How do social media algorithms limit exposure to opposing viewpoints?
Answer: Algorithms prioritize content that aligns with a user’s previous interactions, creating a filter bubble that limits exposure to diverse perspectives.
What role do algorithms play in the spread of false information?
Answer: Algorithms amplify sensational content, which often includes misinformation, because it generates more engagement.
How does the algorithm reinforce negative emotions?
Answer: Algorithms promote content that triggers strong emotional responses, such as anger or sadness, which increases engagement but can worsen mental health.
What are some risks associated with sharing personal information online?
Risks include identity theft, stalking, fraud, and data breaches.
How does excessive social media use affect sleep and focus?
Answer: Excessive use can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, increased stress, and decreased ability to focus on tasks.
What real-world consequences can political polarization lead to?
Answer: It can lead to social division, lack of understanding, and even violence or political unrest.
How can you fact-check information before sharing it?
Answer: By checking trusted sources, cross-referencing with multiple credible outlets, and using fact-checking websites.
What are some strategies for managing social media’s impact on mental health?
Answer: Limiting screen time, curating your feed, setting boundaries on social media use, and practicing mindfulness are all strategies to manage mental health.
How can users protect their privacy while using social media?
Answer: By using strong passwords, adjusting privacy settings, limiting personal information shared, and being cautious about the data they provide.
What strategies can help reduce social media dependency?
Answer: Limiting use, turning off notifications, using apps to track screen time, and replacing social media time with healthier activities.
How can people ensure they are getting a balanced perspective online?
Answer: By actively seeking out differing viewpoints, fact-checking, and engaging with diverse sources of information.
What are some consequences of widespread misinformation?
Answer: It can lead to public confusion, harm to reputations, and in extreme cases, political upheaval or harm to public health.
Describe how the "dopamine loop" is related to social media addiction and mental health.
Answer: Social media platforms trigger dopamine release with each notification or like, creating a cycle of seeking validation, which can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health.
Explain the relationship between surveillance and social media.
Answer: Social media companies use surveillance techniques to monitor user behavior, collecting data to personalize ads and content while also invading user privacy.
Explain how social media addiction compares to other forms of addiction, such as gambling.
Answer: Both social media addiction and gambling addiction rely on variable rewards that trigger dopamine, making users continuously seek more engagement despite negative consequences.
Describe how social media companies can help reduce political polarization.
Answer: Companies can redesign algorithms to promote diverse content, limit the spread of extremist views, and encourage open dialogue across political divides.
Describe a real-world situation where misinformation had serious consequences.
Answer: The spread of false information about the COVID-19 vaccine led to hesitancy and mistrust, affecting public health efforts worldwide.