Impact of Social Media on Youth | Katanu Mbevi | TEDxYouth@BrookhouseSchool

Summary

Katun Bevy's talk delves into the unintended mental health consequences of excessive social media use, highlighting three main stressors: insecurity from comparing personal struggles to others' highlights, the social currency of likes and shares affecting self-worth, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) leading to social anxiety. She proposes an action plan to transform social media use into a value-added experience by building a strong value system, engaging in collaborative creativity, and encouraging authenticity, reminding us that we are perfect just as we are, regardless of social media validation.

Takeaways

• 💡 Social media is having unintended consequences on our mental health.
• 📊 More than 60% of Kenyan youth are active social media users, with many spending over two hours a day on it.
• 🔍 Excessive social media use can lead to long-lasting effects on individuals, often unnoticed.
• 🧠 Today's youth, heavily influenced by social media, are tomorrow's future.
• 🚨 Three major stressors caused by social media: insecurity, social currency, and FOMO (fear of missing out).
• 😟 Insecurity stems from comparing personal struggles to others' highlight reels on social media.
• 💰 Social currency involves valuing oneself based on likes, comments, and shares, leading to self-worth issues.
• 😰 FOMO can turn into social anxiety and withdrawal symptoms when deprived of social media.
• 🛠 Social media can be used positively by building a strong value system, collaborating creatively, and being authentic.
• 💖 Self-worth should not be based on social media metrics; individuals are perfect as they are, regardless of likes or comments.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech by Katun Bevy?

The main topic of the speech is the unintended consequences of social media on mental health.

According to Katun Bevy, what percentage of Kenyan youth are active social media users?

More than 60% of Kenyan youth are active social media users.

How much time does Katun Bevy mention that some people spend on social media daily?

Some people spend two or more hours a day on social media.

What does Katun Bevy believe is the impact of excessive social media usage on today's youth?

Katun Bevy believes that excessive social media usage can lead to insecurity, social currency issues, and the fear of missing out, potentially causing mental health problems.

What is the term used to describe the constant comparison of one's life to others' highlight reels on social media?

The term used is 'insecurity', which stems from the highlight reel effect on social media.

How does Katun Bevy define 'social currency' in the context of social media?

In the context of social media, 'social currency' refers to the likes, comments, and shares that attribute value to a person's posts and, by extension, to the person themselves.

What is the term Katun Bevy uses to describe the anxiety caused by not being able to access social media?

The term used is 'FOMO', which stands for 'Fear of Missing Out'.

What is the first step in the action plan suggested by Katun Bevy to transform one's social media experience?

The first step is to build a strong value system that guides actions, decisions, and behavior.

What does Katun Bevy mean by 'collaborative creativity' in the context of social media?

'Collaborative creativity' refers to working together with others, such as inspiring individuals or communities, to achieve common goals, raise awareness, or educate others through social media.

What is the final step in the action plan proposed by Katun Bevy?

The final step is to be yourself, not letting the number of likes, shares, or comments define your self-worth or life.

What message does Katun Bevy want the audience to remember from her talk?

The message Katun Bevy wants the audience to remember is to be themselves and not to doubt their self-worth based on social media interactions.