Cognitations EP #14 | How can Social Media Affect Mental Health? | Amy Orben
19 snips
Mar 28, 2025 In this discussion, Amy Orben, a leading expert from the University of Cambridge on digital mental health, delves into the impact of social media on teens. She breaks down how constant online engagement affects their mental health, stressing the dual nature of social media as both a risk and a tool for connection. Orben also emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of technology’s role in society and offers parental guidance for managing screen time, encouraging open communication to support healthy development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Social Media Research Origin
- Amy Orben's interest in social media research stemmed from a project using Facebook data.
- She pursued it despite it being an unconventional PhD topic at the time.
Societal Concerns about Technology
- Societal concerns about technology often stem from rapid changes and perceived loss of control.
- People often link technology to concerning societal trends, sometimes misattributing causation.
Uptick in Mental Health Problems
- Increased mental health issues may have various causes, including changing interpretations, diagnoses, and societal factors.
- Social media likely plays a role, but its extent and specific influence remain unclear.
