Ruiz, Godfrey C.

October 02, 2018

(Column/Seat No: 8/3) BSCE 1 GE-PC
Reaction Paper

The TED Talk given by a social media expert, Bailey Parnell entitled “Is Social Media
Hurting Your Mental Health?” published on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Czg_9C7gw0o), discussed the unintended consequences social media is contributing towards
mental health. Parnell argues that the interactions that individuals have in social media are
leading them to possible stress factors. But, it can also lead to a healthier mindset once a “safe
social” environment is practiced. Parnell also elaborates how social media is neither good nor
bad and how proper usage of social media should be observed. In line with the speaker’s
reasoning, I, too, agree that social media can compromise our mental health, and a need towards
practicing and developing a “safe social” environment is important.
The social interactions that an individual encounters in social media are oftentimes
considered as a potential contributor towards insecurities. According to Shirkman (2013) social
media has given us a window to compare ourselves towards other people, these may include our
friends, relatives, and even known personalities. It creates an awful cycle of pride and despair as
we say “I wanted to be like him/her,” and “At least I’m not like him/her.” In the Talk given by
Parnell, she associated this with the first two common stressors on social media namely,
highlight reels and social currency.
Second, the use of social media is addictive. Social media is addictive in such a way that
what we believe was supposed to be a ten minute scroll, becomes an hour of interaction in social
networking sites. In an interview given by Sean Parker a former president of Facebook, he
explained how the app is designed to make users addicted to it (Solon, 2017). They focus on
giving people a shot of dopamine and at the same time affecting their serotonin levels.
Although, both statements showed how our mental health is being compromised by social
media, the common thing between the two is that it all revolves around the hands of the user. Just
like what Parnell stated, “Abstinence is not an option, but you can practice safe social”. It is
impossible for us to quit social media, as it provides us with other relevant needs such as a far-
reaching communication. What this actually means, is that an individual should continue to do
what is making him/her happy and avoid the things that are making him/her unhealthy.
To sum things up, I would say that I do agree with Parnell’s argument that social media is
indeed hurting our mental health. I have acknowledged the fact that social media is addictive and
Ruiz, Godfrey C. October 02, 2018
(Column/Seat No: 8/3) BSCE 1 GE-PC
at the same time, a good source to develop insecurities. Lastly, I believe that we should change
the way we interact in social media in order to develop a safe social environment and to avoid
potential stress factors.

References:
Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? | Bailey Parnell | TEDxRyersonU. (2017, June 22).
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czg_9C7gw0o
Shirkman J. (2013). How to Stop Comparing Everyone’s Highlight Reels With Your Life.
Retrieved from https://jshirk.com/blog/highlight-reels/
Solon, O. (2017). Ex-Facebook president Sean Parker: site made to exploit human 'vulnerability'.
Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/09/facebook-sean-
parker- vulnerability-brain-psychology