Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives, especially for young people. The impact it has on mental health is a growing concern, which is why Mental Health America recently hosted the “Breaking the Algorithm” summit. This youth-led event aimed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to address the relationship between social media and youth mental health.
Let’s dive into some of the key moments from each session of the summit:
The first session, “Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Youth Mental Health and Social Media,” highlighted the importance of understanding the complex relationship between social media and mental health. Panelists discussed the misconceptions surrounding social media platforms and the need for better designs to promote digital wellbeing.
Key takeaways included the acknowledgment that youth are not a homogenous group, social media has both positive and negative aspects, and there is a lack of research due to limited funding and withheld data.
The second session, “Echoes of Inequity: Understanding the Disparate Experiences of Youth Online,” focused on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the digital space. Discussions centered around racial trauma, misinformation, and the necessity of inclusive design features on social media platforms.
Key takeaways emphasized the need for creating safe and inclusive digital spaces for marginalized youth, addressing racial trauma and misinformation, and implementing equitable design features.
The third session, “Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives to Redefine the Digital Landscape,” explored how various disciplines can come together to positively influence the digital ecosystem. Panelists discussed the importance of involving young people in discussions, addressing misinformation, and considering the influence of upbringing on social media use.
Key takeaways highlighted the expertise of young people in technology, the rise of misinformation online, and the impact of upbringing on social media usage.
The final session of the summit featured design sprints led by youth leaders, focusing on equity, product features, business models, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants engaged in creative problem-solving to develop new initiatives for a healthier digital ecosystem.
In conclusion, “Breaking the Algorithm” underscored the importance of youth leadership in reshaping the digital landscape. This summit is just the beginning of a journey towards meaningful change. Stay tuned for more updates on our research from the summit!
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