Social Media by Heyang Li

Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 13:59:08 UTC

Screen time usage can lead to mental health problems and well-being

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 14:01:21 UTC

"Research has shown negative associations between screen time, particularly television viewing, and the development of physical and cognitive abilities. Additionally, screen time has been linked to obesity, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. The specific physiological mechanisms underlying the adverse health outcomes related to screen time, as well as the relative contributions of different types of screens and media content to these outcomes, are still not fully understood. However, studies in very young children indicate that screen usage is an independent risk factor for reduced psychological well-being."

Videogames are connected with more severe depressive symptoms

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 14:03:44 UTC

"Video gaming, in particular, is correlated with the severity of anxiety. These findings align with other studies showing a cumulative impact of high screen time on symptoms, with more pronounced effects emerging during early adolescence and beyond. Screen time-induced poor sleep, nighttime use of digital devices, and dependency on mobile phones have been associated with depressive symptoms."

Depending on what type of screen time, it can also be beneficial

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 14:06:02 UTC

"For example, many schools are effectively using blogs as educational tools to improve written English, and the Internet provides access to health resources, including information on sexually transmitted infections and mental health. Starting around the age of two years, high-quality television programs that are designed for specific educational purposes can serve as an additional means for early language and literacy development in children. Such programs can also support cognitive development, promote positive racial attitudes, and encourage imaginative play."

How misinformation on social media has changed news

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 14:10:31 UTC

Algorithm spreads fake news

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 15:14:11 UTC

"What we see on social media is determined by an algorithm that curates content. The algorithm’s job is to keep you online as long as possible. The longer you’re on, the more targeted ads the platform can sell designed to reach you, specifically. This is the business model of all the major platforms."

News is entertainment

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 15:15:01 UTC

"Today, more than 8 in 10 Americans get their news on digital devices – beating out TV, radio or print. Among 18-29 year olds, social media is the most common news source. They aren’t the only ones turning to platforms for information; 53% of Americans get at least some of their news from social media. Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok have all become pseudo-news platforms."

Misinformation spreads easily with attention

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 15:17:04 UTC

"Anyone with a social media account can become a 'news' source. For individuals and outlets posting news, the goal is almost always to get seen by as many people as possible. What goes well on social media is not exactly even-keeled and well-researched stories. For posts on large platforms 'outrage is the key to virality', as social psychologist Jonathan Haidt puts it."

The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 15:52:17 UTC

Dopamine gets released when you use social media

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 16:10:34 UTC

“The idea of a potential future reward keeps the machines in use. The same goes for social media sites. One does not know how many likes a picture will get, who will ‘like’ the picture, and when the picture will receive likes. The unknown outcome and the possibility of a desired outcome can keep users engaged with the sites.”

Fear of missing out on things

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 16:11:01 UTC

"Missing experiences can create anxiety and depression. When people look online and see they’re excluded from an activity, it can affect thoughts and feelings, and can affect them physically."

Social media increases online hate

dg25hli — 2024-10-09 16:13:57 UTC

"The earlier teens start using social media, the greater impact the platforms have on mental health. This is especially true for females.--While teen males tend to express aggression physically, females do so relationally by excluding others and sharing hurtful comments. Social media increases the opportunity for such harmful interactions."