Social Media and Mental Health Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, advantages, disadvantages, and real-life examples of social media's impact on mental health based on the lecture notes.

Social media

Online platforms and applications that allow people to create, share and exchange information, ideas, opinions, photos and videos while interacting with others.

Jean Twenge

A psychologist who states that the more time adolescents spend on screens, the less time they spend interacting face-to-face, which can affect their mental well-being.

Emotional support networks

An advantage of social media that allows people experiencing similar challenges to connect, share experiences and receive encouragement.

BellLetsTalk

A campaign in Canada that uses social media to encourage discussions about mental health and has raised awareness among millions of people.

Mental health education

An advantage of social media that enables health organisations and professionals to spread information about mental illnesses, treatments and ways to maintain psychological well-being.

World Health Organization

An organisation that uses digital platforms to share mental health information and promote awareness worldwide.

Harmful comparisons

A disadvantage where social media presents unrealistic images of beauty, wealth and success, causing users to compare their lives negatively with others.

Meta Platforms (2021 research)

Research reported in 2021 showing that Instagram could negatively affect body image among some teenage girls.

Excessive dependence

A disadvantage where heavy social media use becomes difficult to control, affecting sleep, concentration and real-life relationships.

U.S. Surgeon General (2023 advisory)

An advisory issued in 2023 highlighting concerns about the possible effects of heavy social media use on adolescent mental health.

Dual impact of social media

The concept that social media's effect on mental health depends on the quality of content consumed, time spent online and users' ability to manage digital habits responsibly.