Denver Channel 7 discusses the impact of social media on teens' mental health with Annie Margaret
With more than 2 billion users globally, the reach and influence of Facebook now rivals that of Christianity and exceeds that of Islam.泭 Its a topic that interests泭Annie Margaret, a teaching assistant professor with the泭ATLAS Institute,泭who investigates how technological innovation impacts society, cognition and human well-being.泭
Margaret investigates the efficacy of specific psychological methods and contemplative practices as tools to counteract the negative impact of social media on mental health and well-being. She is especially interested in social medias effect on young women.泭泭In the summer of 2022, she will be hosting a泭digital wellness program泭for students between 11 and 18 years old.
She highlights how泭for social media platforms, negative content tends to generate the most revenue.
Attention to social media means money, and the content that gets the most attention tends to invoke rage, comparison, feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, says Margaret, who泭teaches two classes at ATLASNeurohacking, and Empathy and Technology.泭Margaret developed those courses; they泭offer curriculum centered on neurobiology, technology, design and education to泭both undergraduate and graduate students.泭 泭
Acknowledging that social media is here to stay, the goals of the summer program include providing泭teens with awareness and strategies that promote mental health.泭This isnt going to go away," she says.泭"The泭put your phone down approach isnt going to help."泭
Digital wellness program provides resources to combat social media's negative psychological impacts
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