Health Wanted: Social Media and Mental Health
HEALTH WANTED, a weekly radio show and podcast produced in partnership with WABE, brings need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics.
The Episode
The topic: From televisions and smartphones to laptops and tablets, screens surround us at all times of day. But what might this mean for our health? This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow and guest Daniele Fallin, PhD, explore the complex effects of screen time on mental health and brain function.
The takeaway: Screens are a constant presence in our lives. Balancing the benefits of technology with its potential downsides requires mindful screen time, especially when it comes to multitasking, social media, and all of the content we engage with.
- Some small studies on the effects of artificial blue light from smartphone use at bedtime suggest that it might delay the feeling of sleepiness, but overall, research does not strongly support this idea. Instead, it is possible that the content people engage with on screens has a more significant impact on their lives than the screens themselves.
- Screen time and the internet have both positive and negative effects. Numerous studies have linked adolescent social media use to low self-esteem, and there has recently been an increase in eating disorders and body dysmorphia across all ages and genders. However, the internet can also provide access to information, foster social connections, help people develop new skills, and create opportunities to build supportive communities.
- Multitasking while using multiple screens could also be problematic. Studies show that constant switching between different media sources can impair our ability to focus. While studies on animals show that exposure to prolonged artificial sound and light can negatively affect attention span, it is difficult to conduct the same research on humans due to multiple ethical concerns.
- For children, the impact of screen time may be especially influential. It is important to consider how much time kids spend on screens and ensure that they engage with age-appropriate content. Kids also need physical activity and real-life social interactions for healthy development, which should take priority over screen time for a balanced lifestyle.
The Interview
The guest: Daniele Fallin, PhD
The key takeaways:
- There is clear evidence that excessive screen time, particularly on social media, can lead to negative outcomes like increased anxiety, depression, and physical health issues. However, not all screen time is harmful. Some activities, like certain video games or social media content, can build creativity and social connection. The impact of screen time depends largely on the type of content consumed, making it difficult to categorize screen use as universally good or bad.
- Real-life interactions are essential for developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills. While screens can offer valuable experiences, they often cannot replace the hands-on learning, physical activity, and relationship-building experiences that are crucial for personal growth, particularly in children.
- Be intentional about your screen time. By setting limits that work for you, like blocking out time for screen usage or setting reminders to get off your phone, you can regain control over screen habits and break the cycle of mindless consumption. People have different thresholds for internet and social media use, so what works for one person may not be the same for another.
- Loneliness is a public health concern and a common experience, even in a world full of digital connections. To combat loneliness, people can intentionally foster in-person relationships. Simple actions like reaching out to others, asking questions, and engaging in real-life conversations can reduce isolation and increase feelings of connection and belonging.
The Listener Questions
Do dimmable windows on planes block damaging rays from the sun?
The new cool thing in airplane windows is electronically dimmable windows. They work by running a current through a gel between the two window panels. The more current you run, the darker the shade gets.
They don’t get completely blackout dark, but according to the manufacturer’s website, the darkest setting filters 99.999% of visible light.
That means they filter out more light than the minimum amount required for eclipse glasses. However, you could still be getting unsafe doses of ultraviolet or infrared light, which are damaging but not initially painful.
Generally speaking, unless you’re wearing approved eclipse glasses or another specialized product, you should avoid looking directly at the sun for too long.
Are omega-3 supplements good for heart health?
In general, taking supplements for health needs other than a known deficiency of that compound is complicated.
You need to be sure the supplement you’re taking contains what it claims to contain, and it can be hard to tease out the exact ingredient or combination of ingredients that leads to the health benefits.
We know that foods that are high in omega-3 are good for you. These include things like fish, chia seeds, and seaweed.
The issue is that we’re not entirely sure that it’s the omega-3 alone that gives the benefit, rather than the omega-3 and how it interacts with all the other components and nutrients in the whole food being eaten.
If you never eat foods that contain omega-3, then a supplement might be helpful, but the surest way to get those healthy fatty acids is through a balanced diet.
Catch all the listener questions and Laurel’s answers on the full episode of Health Wanted by:
- Streaming at org or the WABE app
- Subscribing on Apple or Spotify
- Watching on WABE's YouTube channel
