1
PHL 111 2-2 Journal: Final Project Topic The topic I plan to focus on is Social Media and Mental Health, which shares the impact of social media on one's wellbeing. Despite the innovations society has implemented in establishing connections through a variety of methods, the authors emphasize that replacing face-
to-face interaction with technology can pose a threat to mental health as the absence of "human interaction can result in anxiety, loneliness, and depression" (Robinson & Smith, n.d., para. 2-3). Social media triggers endorphins that produce human connections that we seek, such as positive feelings, such as feeling valued, seen, and known, when you are in a community. The authors of the article also share if one has become a victim of excessive use of social media along with methods to reverse the negative habits, including slipping into the trap of comparison and not making time for reflection a priority because of the urge to grab the phone and scroll on the device (Robinson & Smith, n.d). Since society has become increasingly dependent on social media for obtaining information instantly, picking this topic to examine as the selected topic will be a great opportunity to exercise critical thinking.
As a mother of two middle schoolers who will soon have a smartphone device, it concerns me how to parent your children and establish healthy habits when operating their smartphone usage. Moreover, after reading the article, I identified some habits that do not benefit
my wellbeing, such as turning to my device when bored instead of engaging in something enjoyable or taking a walk, which will improve my mental health positively. A second reason I have been drawn to this topic was the disturbing facts from seminars regarding teenagers committing suicide after experiencing cyberbullying. Before giving my children a phone, I desire
to have a thoughtful conversation about how to balance the convenience of being connected to social media with the negative consequences if it is not balanced well.
