Stop Trying to Quit Social Media | Max Reisinger | TEDxRutgersCamden

Summary

The speaker discusses the impact of social media on society, particularly the negative effects of excessive screen time and the spread of clickbait content. They argue that the problem lies not with social media itself, but with the quality of content being consumed. Drawing parallels with the importance of a healthy diet, they propose that high-quality, meaningful art on platforms like YouTube can provide a more satisfying and less addictive alternative. By promoting 'YouTube New Wave' content that tells stories and adds value, they believe we can counteract the desensitization caused by a constant stream of low-quality information. The speaker calls for guidelines and a greater awareness of our media consumption habits, similar to how we approach our diet, to improve our mental health and foster a more empathetic and connected society.

Takeaways

• 📱 The average screen time for 14-year-olds is seven hours a day, which is linked to changes in the brain related to emotional processing and decision making.
• 🎨 The speaker believes that creating and sharing art on social media can be a solution to the negative effects of internet addiction and social media consumption.
• 🍽️ An analogy is made between the importance of a healthy diet and the need for a 'social media diet' to consume more meaningful content.
• 📉 The internet has led to a desensitization to shocking news and a rapid oscillation between optimism and nihilism, described as a meta-modernistic state.
• 🌐 Social media has the potential to increase empathy, connection, and reduce bias when used to share meaningful stories and art.
• 👵 The speaker's grandmother's experience with Facebook highlights the stark contrast between serious news and trivial content often found on social media feeds.
• 📉 The consumption of information has increased exponentially, leading to overstimulation and desensitization.
• 🧠 There's a lack of guidelines for healthy social media consumption, similar to dietary recommendations, which leaves individuals without direction on navigating online content.
• 🌱 The idea of 'metaphorical veggies for the mind' suggests that consuming online art could be as beneficial for mental health as eating vegetables is for physical health.
• 📚 The importance of regulating and being aware of what and how much we consume on social media is emphasized, drawing parallels to food industry regulations.
• 📈 The speaker is optimistic about the future of social media, with the hope for more guidelines and protections, and encourages choosing art when engaging with online content.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed in the conversation about social media?

The main concern discussed is the negative effects of social media on people, particularly its potential contribution to internet addiction and structural and functional changes in the brain associated with emotional processing, executive attention, and decision making.

What percentage of 14-year-olds own a phone according to the research mentioned?

According to the research mentioned, 91 percent of 14-year-olds own a phone.

What is the average screen time per day that is linked to internet addiction?

The average screen time per day that is linked to internet addiction is seven hours.

How does the speaker believe they are not contributing to the problem despite working in social media?

The speaker believes they are not contributing to the problem because they think creating and publishing art on social media can be part of the solution to offsetting the negative effects of social media.

What is the YouTube New Wave movement?

The YouTube New Wave movement is a reaction against clickbait content that dominates most feeds today, pushing for more meaningful content that tells stories instead of begging for attention.

Why does the speaker use the analogy of a nice meal to explain the impact of good art on the brain?

The speaker uses the analogy of a nice meal because, just as a satisfying meal leaves one feeling full and content, consuming good art or an indie movie leaves them feeling satisfied and less compelled to mindlessly scroll through social media.

What is the speaker's view on the role of art in the context of social media?

The speaker views art as a vehicle to share stories and emotions that transcend time and bring people together. They believe that art on social media can increase levels of oxytocin, sparking empathy, connection, and reducing bias, thus helping people understand different perspectives.

What is the 'meta-modernistic state' of society described in the script?

The 'meta-modernistic state' is described as an extreme oscillation between optimism and nihilism about the world around us at a very rapid pace, reflecting the emotional whiplash that people experience due to the constant stream of information from the internet.

Why does the speaker believe that emotional desensitization is occurring as a defense mechanism?

The speaker believes that emotional desensitization is occurring as a defense mechanism against the hyper-consumption of media, particularly violent news, which can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD.

What is the comparison made between the consumption of food and media in the script?

The comparison made is that just as there are guidelines and recommendations for a healthy diet, there should be similar guidelines for the consumption of media. The speaker questions why there isn't a 'social media pyramid' or diet to help navigate the complex landscape of online content.

What solution does the speaker propose to the issue of negative content consumption on social media?

The speaker proposes that consciously filling our 'e-diets' with meaningful art can improve mental health, foster connection, and make us feel more human. They suggest that art can be the 'metaphorical veggies for the mind' and encourage a shift in what we consume on social media.

What is the speaker's optimism regarding the future?

The speaker is optimistic that over time, there will be more guidelines, regulations, and protections to help navigate the consumption of online content, similar to how there are for food consumption.