Effects of social media and smartphone usage
This session delved into the psychological and emotional impacts of social media and smartphone usage on mental health. It explored both the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies, focusing on how they shape our self-esteem, anxiety levels, and overall well-being.
Experts discussed strategies for mitigating negative effects while maximizing positive outcomes, offering practical advice for maintaining a healthy relationship with our digital lives.
Session recording available
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Dr. Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University
Author of more than 190 scientific publications and seven books, including Generations: The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents—and What They Mean for America’s Future and iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Dr. Twenge frequently gives talks and seminars on generational differences and raising children in the digital age based on a dataset of 42 million people.
Jediael Yared
Jediael Yared, is currently the Head Boy at The Fulham Boys School, in Year 13, studying Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. He aspires to become a doctor and has a strong interest in how technology is shaping our future. The impact of social media is a topic that resonates with him, as he understands the need to balance connectivity with well-being. Bridging the gap between a dumb phone and a smartphone could be a crucial step in helping people stay connected while reducing distractions, promoting focus, and improving overall mental health.
Luisa Fassi
Luisa Fassi is a fourth-year PhD researcher at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge. Luisa’s research focuses on studying the complex and evolving relationship between social media use and youth mental health, with a particular emphasis on young people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In exploring this field, she adopts mixed-methods approaches, combining the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative research. Her academic background spans Cognitive Neuroscience, Molecular Psychiatry, and Psychology.
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