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 youth, but also adults
- How we can continuously reflect on the ethical component of technology
Therapists Uncut Challenge:
Reflect on how technology plays a role in your life and if that’s the role you want to allow it to play.
Resources mentioned:
We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links:
The Social Dilemma Website https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/
The Mental Health Dilemma https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/the-dilemma/
Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/202002/social-media-and-mental-health-time-digital-detox
Social Psychologist Jonathon Haidt https://jonathanhaidt.com/
Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.
What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast:
The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health.
Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts:
Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don’t worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com
Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene’s punchlines. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.
Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years. She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You’ll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com.
Disclaimer:
Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider. Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!
Social Media Links
Instagram @therapistsuncut
Credits:
Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business.
Voice Over by Alexia Gloria