The Psychology Behind the Need for Technology in U.S. Society

Editor’s note: This text-based course is an edited transcript of the webinar, The Psychology Behind the Need for Technology in U.S. Society, presented by Taeler Hammond, MA.

Learning Outcomes

After this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the feelings they have with and without using technology.
• Identify technology dependencies in ourselves and in others.
• Analyze the behavior that comes along with breaking our technology habits.

Risks and Limitations

The information provided in this lecture is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or specific intervention for clinical populations. This lecture is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual and population considerations should be explored prior to using specific interventions/change methods. It is recommended that viewers seek medical/clinical consultation if struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or other forms of distress. The information provided comes from an industrial/organizational psychology lens. 

Does the Use of Technology Impact our Mental Health?

I always begin my classes with a quote. Today's quote is from Albert Einstein: "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity." Consider the time when Einstein wrote or spoke these words—a time devoid of iPhones, Androids, social media, and AI. Yet, even then, the trajectory of technology's dominance was evident.

The Impacts of Technology on Our Minds

Our first topic is: does technology affect our mental health? As we explore this, consider your own relationship with technology. We've all become accustomed to using technology. It's normal to wake up and reach for our phones and to spend long hours on our computers. But let's consider the depth of our engagement and dependency on technology.

The impact of technology on our mental well-being often goes unexamined. Our reliance on it is so ingrained that we may avoid acknowledging its role in our daily functioning. A friend, Dr. Crystal McDonald, once said: "Tech health is mental health." This statement reminds us that nurturing mental well-being involves tending to our relationship with technology. However, fostering a healthy tech mindset doesn't mean endless screen time. It requires breaks. Let's reflect on how long we spend using technology in one day and how often we take such breaks amidst our daily tech use.

The average American spends approximately four hours and 25 minutes on their phone each day (Dreibelbis, 2023). This figure solely pertains to phone usage and does not encompass computer, tablet, or television usage. While some may argue for the inclusion of tablets in this discussion, the distinction arises from the unique functionalities they offer compared to smartphones.

Consider the implications of spending over four hours daily hunched over your phone screen. Such prolonged periods of looking down can have adverse effects on your neck and posture. This trend has only intensified with the rise of remote work, where the comfort of home often leads to fewer breaks. It's imperative to recognize the importance of taking breaks from technology. Stepping away from screens momentarily can alleviate strain and provide much-needed relief. Pay attention to the signs indicating when a break is necessary.

This course will not only delve into the consequences of neglecting breaks but also examine the signs that indicate the need for a break, our inclination towards taking breaks, and the repercussions of disregarding these indicators.

How Technology Impacts Our Minds and Bodies

Let's explore how technology affects both our minds and bodies. Increased exposure to technology, whether through prolonged phone usage or extended computer sessions, undoubtedly impacts our physical well-being.

This impact manifests in various ways, influencing our mood and overall bodily sensations. Pay close attention to signs of irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and even vision changes or blurriness after extended screen time. The effects can extend to mental health, potentially leading to feelings of depression. Contrary to the belief that extended screen time fosters greater social engagement, it can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing to depressive symptoms.

Moreover, it can cause physical discomfort, such as neck and back pain, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic work setups, especially in remote or office environments. Maintaining proper posture and comfort during screen use is crucial. Consider your posture as you read this—sitting up straight, with adequate back support, can significantly alleviate strain. Overexposure to technology can also result in concentration issues and brain fog, as our minds juggle multiple stimuli simultaneously. Our attention span becomes compromised when bombarded with notifications, work tasks, and personal thoughts.

Tech Health & Mental Health

Acknowledging the interconnectedness of tech and mental health underscores the necessity of prioritizing tech health as an integral component of mental well-being. Setting boundaries with technology is essential for self-care, and if you haven't made it part of your routine yet, today is an ideal starting point. Let's delve into what tech self-care entails.

Figure 1. Tech self-care and not self-care examples.

Often, we disregard warning signs indicating the need for a break—tension in the shoulders, an impending headache, or feelings of stress and overwhelm. When these signals arise, it's crucial to log off. Putting ourselves first allows us to bring our best selves to our tasks. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. It's okay to step away when fatigue sets in, even for the day.

I advocate prioritizing self-care by taking breaks and logging off as needed. Whenever stress mounts, I find solace in stepping away, taking a walk, and basking in the sunlight for a dose of vitamin D. Limiting screen time is key. Smartphone users can take advantage of apps that track screen time. These tools aren't merely draining your battery but helping you manage your tech dependency.

In the realm of remote work, the phenomenon of seeing oneself on screen during video calls is a subtle yet significant aspect that warrants attention. It's easy to become distracted from the task at hand when your gaze shifts to your own image. Suddenly, you find yourself fixating on trivial details—perhaps your hair seems disheveled, your glasses slightly askew, or you're concerned about an uninvited blemish stealing the spotlight. These distractions divert focus away from the meeting's purpose. Remember, if the webcam becomes a source of discomfort, exercise your right to turn it off. I advocate against any form of coercion or pressure to remain on camera, known as camera bullying. Your well-being should always take precedence.

Moreover, integrating breaks between meetings is essential for maintaining productivity and mental clarity. Transitioning seamlessly from one task to another requires a moment of respite to decompress. Imagine a challenging meeting filled with conflicts or looming deadlines—it's vital not to carry that stress forward. Taking a brief hiatus from your computer screen offers a chance to rejuvenate. Consider simple actions like stretching, hydrating, or briefly stepping away from your workstation. These small breaks foster a conducive environment for optimal performance and well-being.

Take a moment to engage with your loved ones—a quick chat with your pet, a playful conversation with your kids, or a heart-to-heart with your spouse or significant other can provide a refreshing break between tasks. It's crucial to step away from the intensity of one meeting before diving into the next, allowing yourself to approach each interaction with renewed focus.

Additionally, incorporate regular breaks into your routine by standing up and walking away from your desk every hour. While smartwatches may tether us to technology, they also serve as gentle reminders to prioritize our well-being. Pay attention to these prompts—they're not merely thumping your wrist for the sake of it but nudging you to prioritize self-care.

Consider investing in blue light glasses to protect your eyes from prolonged screen exposure. Whether integrated into prescription lenses or purchased separately, these glasses offer valuable protection against eye strain.

Conversely, neglecting tech health manifests in various detrimental habits. Failing to establish boundaries and working non-stop blurs the line between work and personal life, leading to burnout. Excessive screen time across multiple devices exacerbates eye strain and disrupts sleep patterns. Remember to take breaks from screens, turn off your camera when needed, and avoid overloading your schedule with back-to-back meetings.

Moreover, prolonged sitting can result in discomfort and decreased circulation. Combat this by incorporating movement breaks and stretching into your day. Lastly, don't dismiss signs of eye fatigue or dryness—these are red flags indicating the need for a screen break. Close your eyes, clear your mind, and recharge, even if just for a moment. Your well-being is worth prioritizing.

If you've noticed, your blinking decreases when you're glued to a screen as your brain strains to focus. Consequently, this can exacerbate eye dryness, especially for individuals with existing dry eye conditions or seasonal allergies. While eye drops offer relief, they can only do so much. Prioritize breaks to alleviate strain.

Saying No

As we discuss setting boundaries, it's crucial to normalize the act of saying no and shed any associated guilt. Saying no isn't a rejection of others—it's an affirmation of self-care. By asserting boundaries, particularly during overwhelming or fatiguing periods, you grant yourself the space and time to recharge.

When you take these breaks, pay attention to the difference they make. As you establish mental or physical boundaries, consider the following: Do you feel lighter? These are crucial reflections.

For those observing the Lenten season, consider dedicating time to abstain from traditional indulgences like sweets or alcohol and from excess tech use or social media. Reflect on whether these absences truly affect you. Initially, giving up something may feel raw or different, perhaps due to a fear of missing out. However, after a hiatus, reassess: Do you feel better? Lighter? More energized? If the answer is yes, you'll know what boundaries to set moving forward.

Being Mentally Healthy

Achieving mental health encompasses various aspects, but it does not entail adding stress, anxiety, or overwhelm to your life. Mental health involves nurturing emotional, psychological, and overall well-being, which in turn can positively impact physical health. Stress, for instance, manifests as tension and irritability in the body, leading to ailments like back pain and headaches. Therefore, prioritizing mental health involves alleviating stressors and addressing feelings of anxiety or depression.

Social Media Health

As we transition into discussing social media health, I'd like to share a poignant quote from an unknown author: "When it comes to love and happiness, don't compare your real-life experiences to someone else's seemingly perfect, well-crafted social media posts. The less devices you have to charge, the more you have for your mind. [Social media] is to mental health what fossil fuel is to climate health." This quote resonates because it sheds light on the illusion often presented on social media platforms.

When we scroll through social media feeds, it's crucial to remember that what we see is often curated and edited. Posts are filtered, reshoots are common, and moments are carefully selected to portray a desired image. We rarely witness the moments before or after the snapshot. While social media was intended to foster connection, it's also a source of concern. In 2022, over 4.5 billion people were active on social media, a number likely higher now. Paradoxically, while it has connected millions, it has also contributed to feelings of loneliness and isolation (Cotten, 2022).

Research indicates that increased social media use correlates with heightened feelings of isolation, particularly among young adults. A study conducted in 2017 found that individuals aged 19 to 32 with higher social media usage were three times more likely to feel isolated (Johnson, 2020). Although this study dates back to 2020, its relevance persists. It prompts us to consider whether the trend of social media-induced isolation has intensified over time.

During the pandemic, social media served as a lifeline for many, offering a sense of connection in a time of physical distancing. However, as society reopens, the negative impact of social media on mental health remains prevalent. It can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy, fuel depression, and foster a sense of confinement as individuals compare their lives to carefully curated online personas.

Social Media Limits

With that in mind, it's crucial to establish limits on social media usage, aligning with the broader concept of setting boundaries and learning to say no. Boundaries aren't solely applicable to physical or mental well-being; they also extend to our online interactions. Customizing your social media algorithm is one way to exercise these boundaries, ensuring that the content you encounter aligns with your preferences and values.

Studies show that social media algorithms have warped the way that people learn from each other (Brady, 2023). When scrolling through feeds, we absorb information presented to us, whether true or false. It's essential not to blindly accept everything encountered online. Conducting thorough research ensures informed decision-making regarding the content consumed.

Customizing your algorithm serves multiple purposes. It can filter out content that induces negative emotions, such as feeling uncomfortable or depressed, like comparing yourself to others, and mitigate exposure to misinformation. Remember, comparison is a perilous trap that often leads to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. It's crucial to recognize that what we see on social media is often a curated snapshot, lacking the full context of reality.

Undivided Attention

When considering the importance of undivided attention, it's striking to note that the average human attention span has dwindled to a mere 8.25 seconds, a decrease of 4.25 seconds since 2000 (Schiller, 2023). This decline coincides with the exponential rise in technology use over the past two decades. The data underscores a concerning reality: we are more susceptible to distractions than ever before. Companies vie for our attention through social media, technology, advertisements, and even billboards that flash along our daily commutes, posing hazards for drivers.

Amidst this backdrop of perpetual distraction, it becomes imperative to introspect and recognize moments of diversion. Are we becoming sidetracked during work meetings due to disinterest or personal preoccupations? Do household chores or conversations with friends lure our attention away? Identifying the root causes of distraction prompts reflection on our present state of focus and engagement.

To mitigate distractions, fostering deeper contemplation and intentional concentration is essential. However, acknowledging that struggles with attention are commonplace offers solace. Granting oneself grace amidst these challenges is crucial. Additionally, recognizing the brevity of the average attention span underscores the importance of clear and concise communication. When sharing stories or information, maintaining relevance and focus aids in personal concentration and facilitating attentiveness in others. Also note that if you are struggling with staying focused and paying attention, so is everyone else. By prioritizing mindfulness and intentional engagement, we can navigate the modern landscape of constant stimuli with greater clarity and purpose.

Know When You've Had Enough

In addition to setting boundaries, recognizing when you've reached your limit is paramount. This entails being attuned to signs of fatigue, irritability, or brain fog. Enter the concept of digital dementia, termed by Dr. Manfred Spitzer, which delineates symptoms indicative of cognitive overload, often associated with dementia but temporarily onset by the overuse of technology. Confusion, forgetfulness, and a pervasive sense of mental (brain) fog characterize this condition.

When afflicted by digital dementia, one may find themselves grappling with tasks, struggling to concentrate, having problems remembering things, and feeling agitated due to cognitive strain. It's akin to reaching the capacity of an elevator; attempting to cram more onto an already overloaded brain is futile. Just as an elevator cannot ascend when it exceeds its weight limit, our minds cannot function optimally under excessive digital stimulation.

Understanding this analogy underscores the necessity of granting our minds respite when inundated. Much like waiting for the elevator to unload before boarding, allowing our brains to decompress from digital overload is essential for restoring clarity and functionality.

Health Effects

Excessive screen time can indeed have adverse effects on our health, akin to the cognitive challenges associated with digital dementia. This cognitive fog can impede our ability to tackle tasks efficiently, leaving us disoriented amidst the mental haze. However, it's essential to recognize that technology isn't all bad. This course isn't an indictment of technology as some nefarious force but rather a call to establish boundaries to prevent overexposure.

Acknowledging the benefits of technology is crucial. Therapists and counselors are utilizing technology to treat patients who may not usually seek help (Bradley University, 2018). Technological advancements allow us to have apps on our phones that help us find someone to talk to and match us to someone who can meet our needs. Technology facilitates connections with individuals and resources previously inaccessible, enabling remote therapy sessions and webinars, among other things. Moreover, technological innovations enhance convenience and efficiency, aiding in various aspects of our lives. Nonetheless, it's imperative to remember our humanity amidst this digital landscape.

We aren't designed to be tethered to screens incessantly, akin to machines. Rather, we thrive when we incorporate breaks, nourishment, and fresh air into our routines. Maintaining a balance between technology use and self-care is key to optimizing our well-being in the digital age.

How Can We Do Better?

To improve our relationship with technology, we can start by establishing clear boundaries. This means recognizing when we've reached our limit and gracefully saying no to excessive screen time. When we feel the onset of irritability or tension headaches, it's perfectly acceptable to take a step back and prioritize our well-being.

Another strategy is to declutter our digital spaces by removing unnecessary content. Customizing our algorithms and timelines can help filter out distractions and negative influences, fostering a more positive online environment. Whether it's reducing exposure to distressing news or eliminating excess social media accounts, curating our online presence can promote mental clarity and reduce digital overwhelm.

To reduce negativity, limiting exposure to content that triggers negative emotions is essential. Whether it's distressing news articles or social media posts that evoke sadness or anger, we have the power to curate our online experiences. Instead of subjecting ourselves to a constant stream of negativity, we can choose to prioritize our mental well-being by selectively consuming content that uplifts and inspires us.

For those accustomed to staying informed through the news, it's important to strike a balance between staying informed and protecting our mental health. While it's crucial to remain aware of current events, we don't need to immerse ourselves in every distressing headline or tragic story. Setting boundaries around our news consumption and limiting exposure to overly negative or sensationalized content can help preserve our emotional equilibrium.

Consolidating accounts, whether they're for personal, professional, or recreational purposes, can streamline our digital experience and minimize cognitive load. Similarly, tidying up our email inboxes by unsubscribing from irrelevant newsletters and promotions can help declutter our minds and enhance focus. By implementing these strategies, we can cultivate healthier habits and better balance our digital lives and overall well-being.

Your Virtual Footprint

Being mindful of your virtual footprint is crucial in today's interconnected world. Just as we leave impressions on people we meet in person, our online presence also shapes how others perceive us. Therefore, it's essential to consider our state of mind before engaging with others in virtual spaces.

If you're feeling emotionally off-balance or mentally drained, it's wise to refrain from interacting with colleagues, clients, or even strangers online. Negativity can easily seep into our digital interactions, impacting the perceptions others have of us and potentially damaging professional relationships.

Moreover, be cautious about what you share online, especially when experiencing heightened emotions. Posting content in the heat of the moment can lead to regret later on. Instead, consider journaling as a private outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings. Whether you choose to journal digitally or with pen and paper, it provides a safe space to process emotions without the risk of public exposure. By being mindful of your virtual footprint and taking steps to manage it responsibly, you can maintain a positive online reputation and protect your mental well-being.

Disconnecting

In this next section, we'll delve into the history and purpose of social media while exploring the importance of disconnecting and unplugging from it. As we navigate this discussion, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of being well-informed, advocating for ourselves, and cultivating compassion and patience, both for ourselves and others, especially in the realm of human interaction with technology.

Let's start with the concept of getting offline, which encompasses practicing self-care. While self-care aims to promote relaxation and happiness, excessive time spent on social media can ironically lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and negativity, contrary to our intentions for seeking solace online.

Understanding how to advocate for yourself is another vital aspect. It's essential to resist the urge to compare your journey to others', recognizing that each person follows a unique path at their own pace. Peer pressure, often associated with adolescents, can also manifest in adult environments, influencing individuals to engage in activities they may not genuinely desire, such as attending unnecessary webinars.

Furthermore, cyberbullying, typically associated with youth, remains a pervasive issue across all age groups. It involves using technology to terrorize or harass others online. As part of advocating for ourselves, it's crucial to reject cyberbullying and know how to respond effectively if confronted with such behavior, whether by standing up against it, blocking the perpetrator, or disengaging from harmful online interactions altogether. When encountering negativity online or experiencing adverse reactions to content, it's best to disengage and log off rather than engage in fruitless arguments. It's not worth the emotional struggle.

History

Now, let's dive into a bit of history. When was social media invented? Contrary to popular belief, Facebook and MySpace weren't the pioneers. The earliest social media platforms emerged thanks to the efforts of Dan Pelson and Andrew Weinreich in 1996. These platforms, named Bolt and Six Degrees (Ngak, 2011), were officially launched in May of 1997.

Originally, social media served as a means for young people to connect with friends through email, messages, or voice notes. For those who remember AIM, Instant Messenger, or Yahoo Messenger, these platforms facilitated connections with individuals beyond physical proximity, setting the stage for the expansive social media landscape we know today.

Case Study

Let's delve into our case study, "The Intervention: Breaking Loose!" Here, we'll explore Darren's situation and consider strategies like setting boundaries, removing negative content, and managing expectations for oneself and others.

Darren is a project manager at a tech firm. He likes to let people know that he does well for himself by posting photos daily on his social media accounts. Darren likes to communicate with his friends and family and is usually not seen without his phone in his hand. Darren’s brother, Michael, noticed a change in Darren’s behavior as they are roommates. Darren has become obsessed with gaining more followers on social media and has not been sleeping well at night because he is usually doing some sort of research about increasing his followers, excelling in his career, or playing video games. Darren loves video gaming with people online and usually plays several games after work before scrolling endlessly on his social media accounts. Michael has noticed that Darren has become more irritable over the last couple of months and has noticed increased activity on Darren’s social media accounts. Michael decided to have a chat with Darren and ask him why he has been so irritable lately. Darren tells Michael that he feels behind in life because everyone he follows online has nice cars and fancy houses or takes fabulous vacations. Michael suggests to Darren that he stop following those people or take a break from the internet for a while. Darren becomes upset. 

Debrief

This case study highlights the challenges individuals face when navigating social media pressures and the importance of setting healthy boundaries to prioritize mental well-being. To assist Darren in managing his excessive technology and social media use, Michael can take several supportive steps:

1. Be Patient: If Darren opens up and discovers that his addiction to interacting with others online is a problem and contributes to him feeling behind in life because he's comparing himself to others, encourage him to consider seeking professional help from a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Being patient and offering a supportive ear can help Darren feel comfortable discussing his addiction and seeking assistance.
2. Set Boundaries: Help Darren recognize the negative effects of his technology addiction on his mental well-being. Encourage him to pinpoint stressors, feelings of depression, or comparisons to others that arise from excessive technology use. Together, they can create strategies to limit screen time, such as taking breaks from the internet, implementing technology detox periods, or setting screen time alerts on devices (Sharma & Palanichamy, 2018).
3. Seek Professional Guidance: Suggest seeking guidance from a therapist to develop a personalized plan of action. This plan may include options like total abstinence from social media or controlled use tailored to Darren's needs and goals.

By offering patience, support, and practical strategies, Michael can play a vital role in helping Darren break free from his excessive technology use and regain control over his mental well-being.

Recap

At times, engaging in face-to-face conversations or communicating over the phone can provide insights into aspects of ourselves that we may overlook. If someone offers feedback that we find challenging to accept, it's essential not to interpret it as an insult or personal attack. Instead, view it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. They're offering assistance in recognizing behavioral patterns and insights that might otherwise elude us. Embracing these conversations marks the initial step towards improving our tech health, mental well-being, and self-care practices.

To recap, we've discovered today that excessive technology use can have undesirable effects on our minds and bodies. This includes feelings of irritability, agitation, and a sense of disconnection from our true selves. Learning to set limits on our technology usage is crucial. It involves saying no without succumbing to guilt or fearing judgment from others. By establishing boundaries, we acknowledge that screen time shouldn't consume our entire day; breaks are necessary for physical and mental well-being.

We've also delved into the concept of tech self-care, recognizing when we've reached our limit and need a mental break rather than merely relying on quick fixes like eye drops for dry eyes. Taking care of our tech mental health involves removing negative content from our online experience and knowing when to disengage from sources of stress or discomfort.

Moreover, setting boundaries tailored to our individual needs is essential. What works for others may not be suitable for us. It's vital to avoid mindless scrolling and ensure we incorporate non-screen activities into our daily routines.

Finally, we've explored the history and purpose of social media, understanding its initial intent as a tool for connectivity. Today, we've emphasized the integral role of tech health in our overall mental well-being, stressing the importance of asserting boundaries and learning to say no, not only to people but also to the demands of technology.

References

Bradley University. (2018, June 15). How does technology affect mental health? Bradley University Online. https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/how-does-technology-affect-mental-health/

Brady, W. (2023, August 25). Social media algorithms warp how people learn from each other. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/social-media-algorithms-warp-how-people-learn-from-each-other/

Cotten, S. (2022, November 28). Is technology use leading to the demise of our mental health and well-being? American Sociological Association, 50(4). https://www.asanet.org/footnotes-article/technology-use-leading-demise-our-mental-health-and-well-being/

Digital dementia is real brain fog from tech. (n.d.). Tech Wellness. Retrieved March 21, 2024, from https://techwellness.com/blogs/expertise/digital-dementia-is-real-10-tips-to-prevent-it

Dreibelbis, E. (2023, May 19). Americans check their phones an alarming number of times per day. PCMag. https://www.pcmag.com/news/americans-check-their-phones-an-alarming-number-of-times-per-day

Exploring the link between technology & mental health | Ohio University. (2019, July 31). WFU Online Counseling. https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/exploring-link-technology-mental-health/

Hines, K. (2022, September 2). The history of social media. Search Engine Journal. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media-history/462643/

Jimenez, A. (2019, October 23). Functional neurology: Why screen time causes brain fog. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/functional-neurology-why-screen-time-causes-brain-fog-jimenez-/

Johnson, J. (2020, February 25). Negative effects of technology: Psychological, social, and health. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology

Ngak, C. (2011, July 6). Then and now: A history of social networking sites. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/then-and-now-a-history-of-social-networking-sites/

Ratliff, S. (2023, April 26). The impact of technology on mental health: Balancing connection and screen time. Citizen Advocates. https://citizenadvocates.net/blog/the-impact-of-technology-on-mental-health-balancing-connection-and-screen-time/

Schiller, J. (2023, October 5). Average human attention span by age: 31 statistics. The Treetop. https://www.thetreetop.com/statistics/average-human-attention-span

Sharma, M. K., & Palanichamy, T. S. (2018). Psychosocial interventions for technological addictions. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(Suppl 4), S541–S545. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_40_18

Additional Current References

Doll, K., Craig, S., Lee, Y., Kourgiantakis, T., Lee, E., Dicesare, D., Pearson, A., & Vo, T. (2024). Protocol for a scoping review on technology use and sexual and gender minority youth and mental health. PLoS ONE, 19(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291539

Odgers, C. L., & Hayes, G. R. (2024). Let's stop shaming teens about social media use. Educational Leadership, 81(5), 38–43.

Qiao, W., Yan, Z., & Wang, X. (2024). When the clock chimes: The impact of on-the-hour effects on user anxiety content generation in social media platforms. Journal of Affective Disorders, 344, 69–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.048

Rafiq, A., & Linden, B. (2024). Social media and self-concept among postsecondary students: A scoping review. CyberPsychology, Behavior & Social Networking, 27(3), 194–201. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2023.0451

Zhang, C. C., Zaleski, G., Kailley, J. N., Teng, K. A., English, M., Riminchan, A., & Robillard, J. M. (2024). Debate: Social media content moderation may do more harm than good for youth mental health. Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 29(1), 104–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12689