With more than 2 billion users globally, the reach and influence of Facebook now rivals that of Christianity and exceeds that of Islam.听 It鈥檚 a topic that interests听Annie Margaret, a teaching assistant professor with the听ATLAS Institute,听who investigates how technological innovation impacts society, cognition and human well-being.听
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 media鈥檚 effect on young women.听听In the summer of 2022, she will be hosting a听digital wellness program听for students between 11 and 18 years old.
She highlights how听for social media platforms, negative content tends to generate the most revenue.
鈥淎ttention to social media means money, and the content that gets the most attention tends to invoke rage, comparison, feelings of inadequacy and loneliness,鈥� says Margaret, who听teaches two classes at ATLAS鈥揘eurohacking, and Empathy and Technology.听Margaret developed those courses; they听offer curriculum centered on neurobiology, technology, design and education to听both undergraduate and graduate students.听 听
Acknowledging that social media is here to stay, the goals of the summer program include providing听teens with awareness and strategies that promote mental health.听鈥淭his isn鈥檛 going to go away," she says.听"The听鈥榩ut your phone down鈥� approach isn鈥檛 going to help."听
Digital wellness program provides resources to combat social media's negative psychological impacts
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