The Unintended Social and Psychological Impacts of Social Media

 

After watching The Social Dilemma, a documentary film released on Netflix in September 2020, the Therapists Uncut team found themselves in deep conversation about the intended and unintended impact of social media. In this episode, the Therapists Uncut Team explores the double-edge sword of social media including benefits, risks, and social, emotional, and psychological impacts on users of all ages.  

Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about their personal and professional experiences with social media and openly process their reactions to the technology, search engines, algorithms, and design of social media platforms and all the unintended effects on it’s users. Yes, there are benefits to sharing information and being connected online, but how close are we putting ourselves to the fire when considering the negative impacts of social media on our behaviors and overall mental health? 

In this episode we talk about:  

• The impact of social media on self-esteem in both youth and adults 
• The behind-the-scenes technology in social media and search engines 
• The technology of social media and the unintended psychological impacts on users and the mental health of users 

• How to be a Critical Researcher 
• What does the research say? 
• How does social media and technology impact both our yo