So, apparently the Surgeon General wants the potential dangers of social media to be clear with a warning label, as this New York Times article details.
The need for comprehensive analysis before issuing a warning label
My first thought is, the studies are so mixed on this, I’m not sure if the call for a warning label can be backed up properly. I’m certainly not discrediting the data showing a negative influence. I’ve gone online plenty of times and logged off feeling worse. I’m simply saying that that data is not ALL the data, and everything has to be analyzed in a comprehensive way to form a final conclusion.
Social media is, to a large degree, what one makes of it
That said, I try to use my channels in positive ways, including sharing Jesus. I try to curate content that, at least to me, is thought provoking, inspirational, or educational. And because of the way the algorithms work, the more people consume that type of content, the more it will show them that content to them. So, in that way, I understand that social media is what an individual chooses it to be.
Negative social media results are a symptom within a larger web of problems
My issue is that I do not think we are having a broad enough discussion. Sure, we can say people look to social media to fit in and make themselves look good. But why do we look for validation online so much? Why do people REALLY stuff their LinkedIn profiles with fake resumes or reviews (IMO, it’s scarcity/competition mindset)? Why are we unable to counterweight what we see and discern truth from lies?
I view the problems around social media as failures of other systems and supports. We have to see how SM is operating in context and truly explain why we are getting the results we are. It’s not enough to just say people feel better or worse after being online. We have to understand the psychological processes and how those connect to the broader culture. And most importantly, we have to be able to address the unmet needs or brokenness that yields negative outcomes.
So, let me ask — what is your view of social media? How do you maintain your mental health on SM platforms?
Image credit:
Susan Walsh/Associated Press