Social media addiction - how it changes your brain | Luke Burgis | Big Think

Summary

The video script delves into the impact of social media on our desires, introducing the concept of mimetic desire where we unconsciously adopt others' desires as our own. It distinguishes between external and internal mediators of desire, highlighting the potential for envy and competition with those in our immediate social circles. The speaker warns of the endless pursuit of external models and the importance of setting boundaries with internal models. The script urges viewers to critically engage with the mimetic landscape of social media to avoid being controlled by it.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Social media has made global interaction possible, allowing us to connect with anyone, regardless of their social status or geographical location.
• 📱 We possess a 'mimetic machine' in our pockets, which is our smartphones, filled with models influencing our desires and behaviors.
• 🤔 Mimetic desire is the unconscious adoption of another person's desires, which social media has amplified through exposure to numerous models.
• 🧐 There's a cultural struggle to understand the impact of millions of mimetic models on our mental and emotional health.
• 🌟 Two types of mimetic models are identified: external mediators, who are out of our reach and internal mediators, who we interact with regularly.
• 🚪 External mediators are models from different social spheres or fictional characters, providing aspirational but unattainable benchmarks.
• 🏡 Internal mediators are people within our social circles, like family, colleagues, or friends, with whom we compare ourselves more readily.
• 💔 The risk with external mediators is the endless pursuit of keeping up with those who are very successful, leading to a never-ending cycle of desire.
• 🚦 It's crucial to set boundaries with internal mediators of desire to avoid unhealthy competition and envy within our immediate social circles.
• 🛑 We must choose our models wisely, discerning between those that inspire genuine fulfillment and those that only trigger fleeting desires or fantasies.
• 🔍 Understanding the mimetic landscape of social media is essential to avoid being controlled by the constant bombardment of modeled desires.

Q & A

What does the term 'mimetic desire' refer to in the context of the transcript?

Mimetic desire refers to the phenomenon where individuals adopt the desires of others as their own, often unconsciously, influenced by social media and the constant exposure to others' lives and aspirations.

How has social media transformed our social and existential interactions according to the transcript?

Social media has condensed our social and existential interactions by allowing us to connect and potentially interact with anyone, regardless of geographical distance or social status, through platforms that facilitate instant communication.

What are the two types of mimetic models discussed in the transcript?

The two types of mimetic models are external mediators of desire and internal mediators of desire. External mediators are individuals outside our immediate social sphere, while internal mediators are people we interact with regularly, such as family, coworkers, or friends.

Why are external mediators of desire potentially dangerous according to the transcript?

External mediators of desire are potentially dangerous because they can lead to an endless cycle of comparison and desire, as there is always someone more successful or with a more desirable lifestyle, which can be unattainable and detrimental to one's mental health.

What is the significance of having positive models of desire according to the transcript?

Having positive models of desire is significant because they can inspire us to emulate virtues and goodness. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations of these models and how they influence our own desires and aspirations.

How does the transcript suggest we should approach internal models of desire?

The transcript suggests that we should approach internal models of desire with boundaries and self-awareness, recognizing that our desires stem from a sense of lack and that we should choose models wisely to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of envy and unfulfillment.

What role does social media play in modeling desires and how should we navigate it according to the transcript?

Social media plays a significant role in modeling desires by presenting a constant stream of lifestyles, fashions, and preferences. To navigate this, we need to understand the mimetic landscape of social media to avoid being controlled by it and to discern between desires that lead to fulfillment and those that are fleeting.

Why is it easier to compare ourselves to internal mediators of desire, as mentioned in the transcript?

It is easier to compare ourselves to internal mediators of desire because these are people we have direct contact with, such as family, coworkers, or friends. Their achievements and lifestyles are more relatable and visible in our daily lives, making comparison more natural and frequent.

What is the difference between the desires inspired by external and internal mediators as per the transcript?

The desires inspired by external mediators are often unattainable and endless, as they involve comparing ourselves to people with whom we have no direct interaction or rivalry. In contrast, desires inspired by internal mediators are more grounded in our immediate social context and can lead to envy and rivalry, but also potentially to more tangible goals and achievements.

How does the transcript define the role of boundaries when dealing with internal models of desire?

The transcript defines the role of boundaries when dealing with internal models of desire as crucial for maintaining a healthy mental state. It suggests that we should set limits on how much we allow these models to influence our desires and self-worth to prevent falling into a cycle of constant comparison and dissatisfaction.