Growing Up with Social Media | Evie Hodgson | TEDxBSA Youth

Key Concepts:

• Social media's impact on developing brains
• Dopamine and oxytocin rushes from social media validation
• Permanency of online content and its consequences
• Vulnerability to mental health disorders (stress, anxiety, depression)
• Body image issues and "Snapchat dysmorphia"
• Online bullying and catfishing

1. Social Media and the Developing Brain:

• The brain, specifically the prefrontal cortex, fully develops around age 25.
• Children and teenagers experience dopamine and oxytocin rushes (happy hormones) from likes and positive comments on social media.
• This leads to attention-seeking behavior and a need for online validation, unlike adults who are less dependent on it.

2. Permanency of Online Content:

• "What goes online stays online."
• Example: A violent post or controversial opinion can negatively impact future job prospects.
• Case Study: A student posted something controversial to tag friends. Screenshots spread rapidly, involving teachers, parents, and the police, highlighting the real-world consequences.

3. Mental Health Vulnerabilities:

• Teenagers are more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and depression due to social media.
• Body image issues arise from comparing oneself to others online, leading to feelings of hopelessness.

4. Snapchat Dysmorphia and Online Filters:

• Online filters on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok can distort perceptions of beauty.
• Example: Crystal, a 26-year-old, sought surgery to resemble a Snapchat filter.
• Statistics: In 2013, 13% of people wanted surgery to look like someone else/a filter; by 2016, this rose to 55%.

5. Online Bullying and Catfishing:

• Catfishing: Creating a fake online persona.
• Anonymity behind a screen enables harmful behavior.
• Emotional toll on victims: 9% of people have experienced severe mental health issues from catfishing.
• Catfishing was added to the dictionary in 2014.
• Catfishing is most prevalent in the US, followed by the UK and Australia.
• 64% of catfishes have acted out of revenge, indicating mental health issues in perpetrators as well.

6. Conclusion:

• The speaker advises staying safe online, avoiding conflicts, and appreciating the real world.
• Emphasis on the importance of real-life relationships with friends and family.
• Internal qualities are more important than external appearances seen on social media.