The talk will identify the negative impact on problem solving and coping mechanisms, cognitive functioning, memory, the effects on neural pathways of the brain and its relationship to self-destructive and suicidal behavior. Additionally, this talk will highlight the timing of the introduction of social media with the surge in the rates of both Major Depression and suicide. It will provoke thought regarding the impact that Social Media and Social Networking Sites have on those rates and offer preventative measures to decrease this correlation. This talk will discuss:
Social Media as a normal part of our society and functioning today.
The concept and development of Self and risks of social media use.
The impact of social media use on the need for immediate gratification, difficulty in differentiating real from imagined threats, the FOMO effect, the impact on feelings of abandonment and rejection and it influences on both neurotransmitters and brain function.
The increased risk for development of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, narcissism and sociopathic behavior with chronic social media use.
The question of “How do I be me without losing touch with Self”.
And finally, suggestions and specific personal operating recommendations for the development and maintenance of Self with the use of social media.