U.S. Surgeon General Warning: Social Media Can be Harmful To Our Mental Health

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society podcast! In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss the pervasive impact of social media on mental health. We explore recent findings and the US Surgeon General's call for warning labels on social media, akin to those on tobacco products. The conversation tackles how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok contribute to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, especially among adolescents. We'll also discuss personal experiences with anxiety, the importance of setting boundaries with technology, and practical steps for creating meaningful, real-life connections. Join us as we challenge the status quo and provide insights on managing anxiety in the digital age.

Key Points:

[0:06] Introduction to The Anxiety Society -

Introduction to The Anxiety Society podcast and episode overview.

[1:26] Personal "Anxious Moments" -

Struggling with balance and feeling overwhelmed.

[3:13] Clinical Consultation Anxiety -

Dealing with inappropriate language and rumination.

[6:26] Surgeon General's Warning -

Surgeon General's warning on social media's impact on children's mental health.

[10:11] Reflections on Social Media -

Personal reflections on social media's role in anxiety and comparison traps.

[15:01] Risks of Unsupervised Internet Access -

The risks of unsupervised internet access for children.

[19:39] Potential Social Media Accountability -

Discussion on potential lawsuits and accountability for social media platforms.

[27:13] Anxiety and Storytelling -

Coping with social media-induced stress.

[31:13] Setting Personal Boundaries -

Homework: Setting personal boundaries with technology.

Quotable Moments:

[2:34] - "Life is always going to be overwhelming, and there really isn't a middle space; we need to just accept that." - Cali Werner

[6:26] - "Social media is being equated to tobacco use in 2024 due to its impact on mental health, especially among youth." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[30:47] - "You don't grow from things that are easy; you grow from things that are challenging." - Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• US Surgeon General NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/health/surgeon-general-social-media-warning-label.html
• Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod
• Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

Thank you for joining us today on The Anxiety Society podcast! We hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the impact of social media on mental health. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram for more content and updates. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from our message. Remember, together we can change our relationship with anxiety and get back to living our lives to the fullest.