Instagram portrays the false impression that everyone else has a perfect life but you.
Talking Points:
- In 2017 the Royal Society for Public Health conducted research on the effects of social media on 1,500 individuals. They concluded that all the social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and SnapChat cause mental health issues. Only YouTube had a somewhat positive result.
- The reason Instagram does the most damage has to do with the constant social comparisons with peers. Before social media our brains didn’t have as many people to compare ourselves to. It was easier to feel good about being who we are, because our pool of comparison was so small.
- The average teenager now spends at least 6-9 hours on social media everyday! That means they’re spending a lot of time comparing themselves to others which often leaves them feeling inadequate.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Which social media platforms do you use? How many times a day do you post on social media or check for comments on your last status update? Which platform do you use the most?
- In a teenager’s mind, what is the motivation for being active on social media? What does it say about a person if they’re not active?
- What are some positive ways social media has impacted your life? How has it negatively affected you? How difficult is it to maintain feelings of personal satisfaction after seeing what others post on social media?
- Do your parents have any social media rules you are expected to follow? Do they follow the same rules themselves?
- What are some interests or hobbies you could put time into that would have a greater influence for good in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
