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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Article by By The Student Wellbeing Team (Sarah, Leanne, Jasmyn, Liv, and Michael)
Social media, beyond its digital facade, is the dynamic space where our teens conversations allow for constant connection with peers. It's a digital extension of the old tradition where youths would gather at local areas to share stories and forge bonds. Today, platforms like Snap Chat, TikTok, and Discord serve as these modern-day congregations. It’s important to understand the costs and benefits of this modern-day way of living. This article with shed light on the evolution of social media, the costs and benefits to our students.
On Wednesday, 21st, Saint Ignatius College Geelong hosted the program from BATforce ‘Digital tattoo’ to help to raise awareness and help students become conscious of the social media world. The immersive session illuminated the presence of social media in our teen’s lives, serving not just as a platform for connection but as a realm where their social, emotional, and cognitive development unfolds. The Digital tattoo presentation explored the pivotal reasons social media is a staple in teenage life:
A channel for uninterrupted dialogue with friends.
A hub for group engagements and shared experiences.
A gateway to the pulse of global happenings and trends.
A space to meet like minded individuals whilst broadening social circles.
An antidote to boredom, offering a constant stream of interactive content.
What is Fear of Missing out (FOMO) and how is it anxiety provoking?
Social Comparison: You might look at others, especially on social media, and feel like they're having a better time than you. It's like when you see friends posting about an event you didn't go to and feel left out.
Scarcity: Sometimes, things seem more appealing just because they seem rare or exclusive, like a limited-time event or concert. FOMO kicks in because you don't want to miss out on something special.
Belonging: Everyone wants to feel part of a group, so when you're not involved in something your friends are doing, it can make you feel like you're on the outside looking in.
What impact is Social media and FOMO having on young peoples brains
Dopamine Release: Social media interactions, getting likes or comments, can trigger dopamine releases in the brain, creating a sense of pleasure and reward, encouraging repeated use.
Habit Formation: The constant checking of social media can become a habit, as the brain gets used to the instant gratification it provides, making it hard to stop.
Attention and Focus: Overuse of social media can affect the brain's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, as it gets used to rapid information and constant stimulation.
Emotional Impact: Excessive social media use can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression, affecting emotional regulation in the brain.
During this digital tattoo session, roughly 90% of students raised their hands when they were asked if they would like to spend more time away from digital technology. Reasons for this may be:
Digital Fatigue: Constant notifications, messages, and the pressure to stay updated can be exhausting. Teens might want a break from the constant screen time to rest their eyes and minds.
Social Pressure: Social media can create pressure to maintain a certain image, keep up with trends, and engage in social comparison. This can be mentally draining and might push teens to seek a break.
Need for Real Connections: While digital communication is convenient, it can sometimes lack the depth of face-to-face interactions. Teens might crave more genuine, in-person connections.
Awareness of Mental Health: As mental health awareness increases, more teens are recognising the negative impacts excessive screen time can have on their mood and overall wellbeing, leading them to consciously decide to take breaks.
Seeking Balance: Teens might want to engage more with hobbies, outdoor activities, or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the digital world to find a healthier balance in their lives.
In conclusion by working together to understand and mitigate the challenges of social media, we can empower our teens to navigate their digital worlds with confidence and care. We can guide them towards a future where technology is a tool for growth, not a source of constant comparison or anxiety. Let's help create a digital experience that enriches their lives and fosters positive development.
Feature
Events
Our News // 01 March 2024
Article by By The Student Wellbeing Team (Sarah, Leanne, Jasmyn, Liv, and Michael)
Social media, beyond its digital facade, is the dynamic space where our teens conversations allow for constant connection with peers. It's a digital extension of the old tradition where youths would gather at local areas to share stories and forge bonds. Today, platforms like Snap Chat, TikTok, and Discord serve as these modern-day congregations. It’s important to understand the costs and benefits of this modern-day way of living. This article with shed light on the evolution of social media, the costs and benefits to our students.
On Wednesday, 21st, Saint Ignatius College Geelong hosted the program from BATforce ‘Digital tattoo’ to help to raise awareness and help students become conscious of the social media world. The immersive session illuminated the presence of social media in our teen’s lives, serving not just as a platform for connection but as a realm where their social, emotional, and cognitive development unfolds. The Digital tattoo presentation explored the pivotal reasons social media is a staple in teenage life:
A channel for uninterrupted dialogue with friends.
A hub for group engagements and shared experiences.
A gateway to the pulse of global happenings and trends.
A space to meet like minded individuals whilst broadening social circles.
An antidote to boredom, offering a constant stream of interactive content.
What is Fear of Missing out (FOMO) and how is it anxiety provoking?
Social Comparison: You might look at others, especially on social media, and feel like they're having a better time than you. It's like when you see friends posting about an event you didn't go to and feel left out.
Scarcity: Sometimes, things seem more appealing just because they seem rare or exclusive, like a limited-time event or concert. FOMO kicks in because you don't want to miss out on something special.
Belonging: Everyone wants to feel part of a group, so when you're not involved in something your friends are doing, it can make you feel like you're on the outside looking in.
What impact is Social media and FOMO having on young peoples brains
Dopamine Release: Social media interactions, getting likes or comments, can trigger dopamine releases in the brain, creating a sense of pleasure and reward, encouraging repeated use.
Habit Formation: The constant checking of social media can become a habit, as the brain gets used to the instant gratification it provides, making it hard to stop.
Attention and Focus: Overuse of social media can affect the brain's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, as it gets used to rapid information and constant stimulation.
Emotional Impact: Excessive social media use can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression, affecting emotional regulation in the brain.
During this digital tattoo session, roughly 90% of students raised their hands when they were asked if they would like to spend more time away from digital technology. Reasons for this may be:
Digital Fatigue: Constant notifications, messages, and the pressure to stay updated can be exhausting. Teens might want a break from the constant screen time to rest their eyes and minds.
Social Pressure: Social media can create pressure to maintain a certain image, keep up with trends, and engage in social comparison. This can be mentally draining and might push teens to seek a break.
Need for Real Connections: While digital communication is convenient, it can sometimes lack the depth of face-to-face interactions. Teens might crave more genuine, in-person connections.
Awareness of Mental Health: As mental health awareness increases, more teens are recognising the negative impacts excessive screen time can have on their mood and overall wellbeing, leading them to consciously decide to take breaks.
Seeking Balance: Teens might want to engage more with hobbies, outdoor activities, or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the digital world to find a healthier balance in their lives.
In conclusion by working together to understand and mitigate the challenges of social media, we can empower our teens to navigate their digital worlds with confidence and care. We can guide them towards a future where technology is a tool for growth, not a source of constant comparison or anxiety. Let's help create a digital experience that enriches their lives and fosters positive development.
