Social Media, Dopamine, and the January Blues
January often feels heavy—short days, post-holiday stress, and financial worries can dampen spirits. Even in warmer climates, the reset after the holiday rush can be challenging. During this time, many people lean on social media for quick hits of connection and validation. Yet excessive screen time can mirror addictive patterns. Social Media: A Universal Habit […]
Navigating Social Media During the Holidays as a Neurodivergent Individual
Social media can feel overwhelming at the best of times. For those with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive differences, the holiday season amplifies that stress. Perfect posts, gift guides, and endless notifications collide with bright visuals and nonstop holiday jingles. This bombardment can leave you exhausted before you realize what’s happening. Why the […]
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16: A Step Forward or a Step Too Far?
Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media has ignited a global debate about the balance between protection and personal freedom. This law, one of the strictest of its kind, aims to address growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on young people. But is it the right move? Will […]
Screen Time, Mental Health, and the Importance of Family Connections This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, Screens, and Mental Health: Finding Balance This Holiday Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. Yet screens can quietly overshadow these moments in our digital world. This concern grows when we look at rising rates of screen time among children and teenagers. Rising Screen Time and Mental Health Concerns Recent data shows […]
Cyberbullying: The Power of Bystanders and Upstanders in Shaping Outcomes
Cyberbullying is a unique form of harassment. It isn’t tied to a single place or moment. Instead, it follows children wherever they go—even in their own homes. This constant threat leaves many feeling anxious or unsafe at all hours. How Cyberbullying Affects Mental Health As a psychiatrist, I see the real impact on young patients. […]
TikTok’s Troubling Link to Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know
In recent months, worries about TikTok have soared worldwide. A new lawsuit in France blames the platform for children’s suicides. This tragic case shows how deeply social media can affect young people. It also highlights the urgent need for parents, communities, and tech companies to act. TikTok’s Impact on Mental Health TikTok isn’t just a […]
How Social Media Platforms Are Being Held Accountable for Teen Well-Being
In the past few months, some major legal battles have been brewing against social media giants like TikTok and Meta. You’ve probably seen the headlines, states across the U.S. are suing these companies for the way their platforms seem to be hurting young people’s mental health. The scary part? These lawsuits are coming at the […]
Social Media Safety Trends and Solutions
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, there’s a focus on social media safety—a critical issue given the growing number of users and the evolving nature of online threats. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook remain popular, particularly among younger audiences, making it essential to address the associated risks. This article delves into the latest trends, highlights […]
Digital Self-Presentation and Adolescent Mental Health: New Insights from 2024 Research
A recent 2024 study published in BMC Public Health sheds light on how digital self-presentation on social media significantly impacts the mental health of adolescents. In a world where social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate, teenagers are increasingly engaged in strategic self-presentation—carefully crafting their online personas to appear more attractive, successful, or […]
Industry Response to the Growing Online Safety Concern: Are Current Measures Enough?
Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have introduced digital well-being apps and parental controls. Tools like Family Link (Google) and Family Safety (Microsoft) help parents monitor screen time, approve downloads, and set age-based limits. Despite these efforts, deeper threats still slip through. Reactive vs. Proactive Protection Most current safety measures react to existing issues. […]