In this episode, I talk about:

• Why research into the link between social media and mental health is flawed, and the reason that experts can’t agree whether social media is good or bad for you
• The dangers of skim reading misleading news headlines about the impact of social media on mental health
• Whether social media companies and national governments have a responsibility to protect us from the harmful effects of social media on our mental health
• The important difference between causation and correlation, when it comes to discussing mental health issues
• Why it’s difficult to measure the impact social media has on our mental health, and what data social media companies already have about the way their platforms negatively affect users
• The highly individualised nature of your experience on social media, and why you must take responsibility for curating a more positive experience for yourself
• What we know about the links between social media and changes in mood, depression, anxiety, suicide and self-harm, body image, and loneliness
• The reasons why social media might be making you feel depressed, anxious, self-conscious, or lonely, and what to do if you’re concerned about yourself or someone you know
• The definition of social media addiction and why it’s more than simply spending too much time online
• How social media provides a space for online communities and text-based support that can benefit your mental health
• My personal struggles with depression and anxiety, and how social media has both helped and hurt me
• The 7 day social media and mental health journalling challenge

View show notes including links to all the resources and tools mentioned: https://thedigitaldietcoach.com/017

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Keep in touch with me:

• Visit my website at thedigitaldietcoach.com
• Join the digital wellness community at The Digital Diet Lounge
• Subscribe to my newsletter, Unplugged
• Email me at podcast@thedigitaldietcoach.com
• Connect with me on Instagram @thedigitaldietcoach or LinkedIn

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Music by FASSounds