social media and mental health basics
What main mental health concerns are most often linked to teen social media use?
Depression, anxiety, psychological distress
What does “intersectionality” mean?
Overlapping social identities that combine to affect a person’s risks/experiences
What does Knapp & Hall say about the effect of neighborhood trust on health?
It supports well-being; safer environments = better outcomes
What does Smarsh’s description of labor teach us about “strength” and “worth”?
Strength comes from lived experience; worth shouldn’t be based on status
What solution is recommended for healthy adolescent social media use?
Media literacy, supportive peer groups, time limits
What study design limitation makes it hard to prove social media “causes” mental health problems?
Most studies are correlational/cross-sectional
Why can a “one-size-fits-all” solution to online risks fail?
It ignores that risks stack up for marginalized teens
How is “digital isolation” different from social isolation?
Online, it’s constant interaction without real connection
How does social class affect self-worth in both “Heartland” and online life?
Those in poverty can feel less valued, both by society & on social media
Why is listening to “real experiences” crucial for good policies?
Policies that fit real life are fairer and actually help those most at risk
Name one positive use of social media for adolescents.
Supportive peer community, mental health resources, creative expression
Give an example of a teen with intersecting social risks online.
Girl of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth from low-income background
Name a way that online communities can buffer anxiety and loneliness
Supportive groups/peer support/positive social ties
What issue does Heartland raise that teens may also face on Instagram or Snapchat?
Body image pressure, constant comparison, feeling judged
Name a recommended way to make social media safer for at-risk teens?
Customization, better support tools, environments designed for inclusion
What are two online behaviors studied for their link to mental health in teens?
Cyberbullying and social comparison/addictive checking
What extra mental health challenge might a marginalized teen face online that others do not?
Bullying, discrimination, less social support
What online experience is like living in an “unsafe neighborhood” in real life?
Cyberbullying, toxic comment sections, or constant negative comparison
Why is sleep disruption a theme in both Heartland and social media discussions?
Chronic stress and late-night screen time harm rest and mental health
What important message is shared by intersectionality-focused TED Talks?
That overlapping identities multiply risks, so solutions must be flexible and fair
What does “healthy social media use” include?
Limiting screen time, following supportive influences, avoiding late-night usage
What should public health programs do to address intersectional risk?
Tailor solutions based on diverse lived experiences, listen to affected communities
What kind of online spaces should communities encourage for healthy teen mental health?
Well-moderated, inclusive, supportive groups
How can stories like Heartland help us understand what marginalized teens might face online?
They show real emotional and social costs of exclusion/stigma
What’s a big takeaway from all the articles and presentations?
Mental health is shaped by many forces—identity, environment, community, and online spaces all matter